CRD Summary: This review assessed the effectiveness of statins in treating sepsis and infection. It concluded that statins may have a positive role, but that trial results were needed before firmer conclusions could be drawn. The authors' cautious conclusions reflected the limited evidence well, and are likely to be reliable.

CRD Commentary:  The review addressed a clear question and was supported by appropriately broad inclusion criteria. Attempts to identify all relevant studies in any language were undertaken by searching electronic databases and checking references. Suitable methods were employed to minimise the risks of reviewer error and bias throughout the review. Study quality was assessed and the assessment was used in interpreting the results of the review, although details other than scores were not provided. The study details provided were quite limited (almost no information on the type or dose of statin used, or on use of any concomitant treatments), but an appropriate narrative synthesis of the data was undertaken and the authors acknowledged the heterogeneous nature of the data. The authors' conclusions were suitably cautious in reflecting the limited evidence available and are likely to be reliable.