Effectiveness of statins in patients with stroke due to cervical artery dissection: A preliminary study

Abstract

BackgroundStatin therapy has become one of the most important advances in stroke secondary prevention. Nevertheless, statin therapy in patients who present an ischemic stroke following cervical artery dissection (CAD) has not yet been supported by clinical evidence. This study aimed to investigate the effect of statins on neurological outcomes after a stroke due to CAD. MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study including consecutive patients diagnosed with a stroke due to CAD. Subjects were classified into non-statin, simvastatin 20mg, simvastatin 40mg, and high-potency statin groups. After 2 years, the functional outcome, stroke recurrence, major cardiovascular events, and mortality were assessed. ResultsAmong the 54 patients included in our cohort, there were 16 (29.6%) patients without statins, 22 (40.7%) with simvastatin 20mg, 12 (22.2%) with simvastatin 40mg and 4 (7.5%) with high-potency statins. Using simvastatin 40mg was associated with a significantly lower incidence of stroke recurrence. Patients with simvastatin 40mg and high-potency statins presented the best functional recovery throughout the follow-up (p<.01). DiscussionThe use of statins in patients with CAD-related stroke may improve functional outcomes in specific cases. Statins do not prevent stroke recurrence and major cardiovascular events in this type of stroke.