Review of patients with diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) currently on statin prophylaxis in Scartho Lynton Chantry (SLC) Medical Group, Grimsby

Abstract

Background: An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when a lower part ofthe body’s main artery, called the aorta, becomes weakened and bulges.Most aneurysms do not cause any problems, but can pose serious risk ifthey rupture. Hence, one of the prominent ways to reduce the risk ofrupture is by managing cardiovascular risks using statins as per NationalInstitute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.Aims: This review audit was carried out to:To identify the total number of patients with confirmed diagnosis ofAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) within the GP Practice who werecurrently taking statins.To confirm how many of these patients have had a previous encounterwith a physician in the practice regarding Statin prophylaxis.To confirm the number of patients who are not currently takingstatins, have no contraindication, and have not had discussion with a clinicianregarding statin prophylaxis.To create awareness for clinicians and patients regarding NICE guidanceon statin prophylaxis.Method: A retrospective review of clinical records was conducted viaSystemone for all the patients with AAA in the SLC practice. Then, inclusionand exclusion criteria were applied to identify those on prophylactic statins.Results: Of the 36 patients with AAA records retrieved, fewer than 2% ofpatients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were not prescribed statins.Conclusion: Lack of awareness of the NICE guideline regarding statinprophylaxis in patients with AAA may contribute significantly to thisoutcome. Therefore, practice clinicians are to be educated on NICEguidelines regarding statin prophylaxis in patients with AAA. Also, anautomated message can be created for patients with AAA, to book anappointment with the clinician and discuss the use of statin.