Abstract
The article reviews the clinical experimental trials of simvastatin in cirrhosis. It will attempt to engage the reader in this interesting hepatic subject through the following four steps. Firstly, the paper explains the rationale for statins use, ranging from portal hypertension to decompensated cirrhosis. Secondly, the article summarizes the drug safety results (the relationship between liver/muscle injuries and simvastatin dosage/cirrhosis severity), and the efficacy outcomes (survival/quality of life improvements, and reduction of hospitalizations due to cirrhosis complications) in patients with the decompensated state. Thirdly, the paper analyzes the negative results of treating severe degrees of cirrhosis –Child-Pugh class C and acute-on-chronic liver failure, with this medication. Lastly, this article aims to summarize the lessons learned from the few clinical trials in simvastatin therapy on the decompensated stage. The paper will encourage readers to consider simvastatin as a potential treatment option for cirrhosis in the future.