Simvastatin in the acute phase of ischemic stroke: a safety and efficacy pilot trial

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2007.02015.x
• Publication Date: 2010-09-15T09:50:51Z
• Authors: J. Montaner; P. Chacón; J. Krupinski; F. Rubio; M. Millán; C. A. Molina; P. Hereu; M. Quintana; J. Alvarez‐Sabín
• Keywords: Stroke

Although statins are being used for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke, recent experimental data have shown new pleiotropic effects these drugs responsible their role in neuroprotection. We conducted a pilot, double‐blind, randomized, multicenter clinical trial to study the first time safety and efficacy simvastatin acute phase stroke. Simvastatin/placebo was given at 3–12 h from symptom onset 60 patients with cortical strokes. Efficacy on evolution several inflammation markers [interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, vascular cell C‐reactive protein, sApo/Fas, tumor necrosis factor‐α, E‐selectin, L‐selectin nitrites+nitrates] neurological outcome evaluated baseline, day 1, 3, 5, 7 90. No differences were found amongst biomarkers studied regarding treatment allocation. improved significantly by third (46.4% vs. 17.9%, P = 0.022), non‐significant increase mortality greater proportion infections (odds ratio 2.4, confidence interval 1.06–5.4) group main concerns. Therefore, larger is needed confirm net benefit this therapeutic approach.