A revised systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of statins on D-dimer levels

Background: D-dimers are generated during endogenous fibrinolysis of a blood clot and have a central role in diagnostic algorithms to rule out venous thromboembolism. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, more commonly called statins, are known to have effects independent of LDL-cholesterol lowering, including antithrombotic properties. An effect of statins on D-dimer levels has been reported in a prior systematic review and meta-analysis, but methodological shortcomings might have led to an overestimated effect. To re-evaluate the association between statins and D-dimer levels, we systematically reviewed all published articles on the influence of statins on D-dimer levels and conducted a novel meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number CRD42017058932). Materials and methods: We electronically searched EMBASE, Medline Epub, Cochrane, Web of Science and Google Scholar (100 top relevance) (d

Rosuvastatin use increases plasma fibrinolytic potential: a randomised clinical trial

We conducted a study to assess the effect of rosuvastatin use on fibrinolysis in patients with previous venous thromboembolism (VTE). This was a post hoc analysis within the STAtins Reduce Thrombophilia (START) study (NCT01613794). Plasma fibrinolytic potential, fibrinogen, plasmin inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (

Influence of (Co-)Medication on Haemostatic Biomarkers

We showed that the simplified diagnostic YEARS algorithm for suspected acute pulmonary embolism can be safely applied in patients presenting in the hospital, also in patients using statins or antiplatelet drugs, but that the diagnosis of VTE in schizophrenic patients remains difficult. Additionally, we showed that statins but not antiplatelet drugs and PCSK9 inhibitors influence D-dimer levels and that in participants with prior VTE, statin use led to an improved breakdown of blood clots compared to non-statin use