Neuroprotective effects of statins: evidence from preclinical and clinical studies
UMass Chan Affiliations
Department of NeurologyDocument Type
Journal ArticlePublication Date
2012-06-01Keywords
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase InhibitorsNeuroprotective Agents
Stroke
Cardiovascular Diseases
Nervous System Diseases
Neurology
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
OPINION STATEMENT: The benefits of statins for both primary and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke are clearly established. Evidence is accumulating that statin withdrawal after ischemic stroke may lead to worse outcome and that initiation of statins after ischemic stroke may reduce mortality and improve outcome. Current treatment guidelines recommend starting statins before discharge in patients with stroke related to atherosclerosis or who have elevated cholesterol. The primary treatment question then is not if to start statins in most ischemic stroke patients, but when. Our recommendation would be start a statin as soon as the patient passes a dysphagia screen and can safely take oral medication. Based on the results of the Heart Protection Study and the SPARCL trial, either simvastatin 40 mg or atorvastatin 80 mg are appropriate alternatives. Clinical trials are needed to demonstrate unequivocal efficacy of improved outcome and to determine if lower doses may have this effect. Additionally, improved outcome needs to be established in cardioembolic stroke patients before routine use of statins in this stroke subtype can be recommended.Source
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med. 2012 Jun;14(3):252-9. doi: 10.1007/s11936-012-0174-9. Link to article on publisher's site
DOI
10.1007/s11936-012-0174-9Permanent Link to this Item
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14038/37750PubMed ID
22362392Related Resources
Link to Article in PubMedae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1007/s11936-012-0174-9