Low circulatory levels of total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C are associated with death of patients with sepsis and critical illness: systematic review, meta-analysis, and perspective of observational studies
Abstract
Summary Background Mechanistic studies have established a biological role of sterol metabolism in infection and immunity with clinical data linking deranged cholesterol metabolism during sepsis with poorer outcomes. In this systematic review we assess the relationship between biomarkers of cholesterol homeostasis and mortality in critical illness. Methods We identified articles by searching a total of seven electronic databases from inception to October 2023. Prospective observational cohort studies included those subjects who had systemic cholesterol (Total Cholesterol (TC), HDL-C or LDL-C) levels assessed on the first day of ICU admission and short-term mortality recorded. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were used to evaluate overall mean differences in serum cholesterol levels between survivors and non-survivors. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Findings From 6469 studies identified by searches, 24 studies with 2542 participants were included in meta-analysis. Non-survivors had distinctly lower HDL-C at ICU admission −7.06 mg/dL (95% CI −9.21 to −4.91, p < 0.0001) in comparison with survivors. Corresponding differences were also seen less robustly for TC −21.86 mg/dL (95% CI −31.23 to −12.49, p < 0.0001) and LDL-C −8.79 mg/dL (95% CI, −13.74 to −3.83, p = 0.0005). Interpretation Systemic cholesterol levels (TC, HDL-C and LDL-C) on admission to critical care are inversely related to mortality. This finding is consistent with the notion that…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 2,542 participants or records.
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