The association of statin therapy and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level for predicting clinical outcome in acute non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND

Statins reportedly have anti-inflammatory effects aside from their cholesterol-lowering effect. We investigated the effects of statins on serum hs-CRP level and clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke (IS) patients.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study consequently evaluated patients with acute IS in a single medical center. Serum hs-CRP levels were measured at different time points (within 48 h and 30 days post-stroke). The patients' clinical and laboratory data on admission were analyzed.

RESULTS

Total 100 patients with acute IS were divided in the statin group (n=50) and the non-statin group (n=50). Serum hs-CRP level was similar in the 2 groups within 48 h after acute IS, but was significantly lower in the statin group on Day 30 compared to the non-statin group (p<0.05). The statin group also had favorable 3-month outcome compared to the non-statin group (p<0.05). After adjustments for covariance using stepwise logistic regression, only NIHSS on admission (OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.06-1.80; p=0.02) and hs-CRP in the acute phase (OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.30-2.33; p=0.001) were significantly and independently predictive of 3-month outcome.

CONCLUSION

Statin therapy reduces serum hs-CRP level and may be associated with favorable 3-month outcome in patients after acute IS.