Can Statins Improve Outcomes After Isolated Cardiac Valve Surgery? A Systematic Literature Review. Issue 8 (13th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chacko, Jacob; Harling, Leanne; Ashrafian, Hutan; Athanasiou, Thanos
• Is Part Of: Clinical cardiology. Volume 36:Issue 8(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 448
• Page End: 455
• Publication Date: 2013-05-13
• Subjects: Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1002/clc.22140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-9289

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="clc22140-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>HMG CoA (3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase inhibitors, or statins, have been associated with an improvement in outcomes after coronary artery surgery for some time; however, their role in isolated valve surgery (IVS) remains undetermined.</p> </sec> <sec id="clc22140-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Hypothesis</title> <p>The pleiotropic effects of statins may produce similar beneficial effects on outcomes after IVS.</p> </sec> <sec id="clc22140-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A systematic review of the literature was performed investigating the role of statins in bioprosthetic valve replacement.</p> </sec> <sec id="clc22140-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Nine observational studies (7 retrospective, 2 prospective) incorporating a total of 18 154 patients were found investigating the role of statin therapy in bioprosthetic valve replacement.</p> </sec> <sec id="clc22140-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>There is presently insufficient evidence to recommend routine statin therapy in IVS, unless concomitant hypercholesterolemia or coronary artery disease is present. A prospective study clearly defining the dose, type, and duration of therapy is now required to finally clarify whether statins alone confer a postoperative benefit in these patients.</p> </sec> </abstract>