Statistical data support prediction of death within 6 months on low levels of coenzyme Q10 and other entities.

Ninety-four consecutive hospital patients aged over 50 years were included in a cross-sectional study. Serum samples were analyzed for coenzyme Q10, alpha-tocopherol, and free cholesterol levels. Patients who died within a follow-up period of 6 months or had congestive heart failure or severe myalgia, and/or received cytostatic or lipid-lowering drug therapy showed significantly lower free cholesterol-related coenzyme Q10 values. Prospective controlled clinical trials will determine whether coenzyme Q10 has a potential to protect patients from such complications and become a useful therapy.