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Q Do 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) reduce fatal and non-fatal stroke more than placebo or usual care?
Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★★☆ Internal Medicine ★★★★★☆☆ Endocrine ★★★★★★☆ Neurology ★★★★★★☆
METHODS
Data sources:
Medline and reference lists of identified trials.
Study selection and assessment:
randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and previous meta-analyses published before August 2003 that compared statins with placebo or usual care, included stroke events (brain infarction and haemorrhage) as outcomes, and used intention to treat analysis.
Outcomes:
all stroke, fatal stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, the relation between stroke and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction, and the relation between LDL-C reduction and change in carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT).
MAIN RESULTS
26 RCTs (n = 94 128) met the selection criteria. Follow up ranged from 0.3 to 6.1 years. Statins reduced all stroke more than placebo or usual care (26 RCTs) (table). Each 10% reduction in LDL-C corresponded to a risk reduction of all stroke of 16% (95% CI 6.7 to 24). The reduction in fatal (15 RCTs) and haemorrhagic (7 RCTs) stroke did not reach statistical significance (table). LDL-C reduction varied from 12–52%, and was correlated with change in carotid IMT. Each 10% reduction in LDL-C corresponded to a reduction in carotid IMT of 0.73% per year (CI 0.27 to 1.19).
Statins v placebo or usual care for stroke reduction*
CONCLUSIONS
Statins reduce stroke but may not reduce fatal stroke. Statins do not increase haemorrhagic stroke. The degree of stroke reduction is correlated with low density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction.
Commentary
The trials included in the meta-analysis by Amarenco et al had diverse entry criteria but most required patients to have coronary artery disease or dyslipidaemia. In patients with these conditions, the decision to treat with a statin may be based primarily on concern about subsequent myocardial infarction (MI), which is generally more frequent than stroke. In these patients, the fact that statins also reduce risk of stroke just provides additional motivation for using them.
Patients with previous stroke but no other evidence of vascular disease are more likely to have subsequent stroke than MI, although rates of both are high. Few of these patients were included in the statin trials completed thus far. However, given that atherosclerosis is a condition common to coronary artery disease and many types of non-haemorrhagic stroke, it is likely that the results of the previous statin trials apply. With a higher underlying rate of stroke in those with previous stroke, the number needed to treat to prevent a stroke is likely to be much smaller. Furthermore, statins have been shown to reduce risk of MI in patients with previous stroke in one large scale trial.1 Given these benefits, statin use after ischaemic stroke is almost certainly cost effective for most patients.
Although some continued debate exists about whether all patients with previous ischaemic stroke should receive statins and a trial to study this specific question is underway,2 most agree that the effect of statins on risk of recurrent stroke and on MI is likely to be particularly relevant in this population. In fact, the American Heart Association recently released an advisory stating that the vast majority of patients with previous ischaemic stroke could benefit from statin use.3
Footnotes
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For correspondence: Professor P Amarenco, Bichat University Hospital, Paris, France. amarencoccr.jussieu.fr
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Sources of funding: PHRC; SOS-ATTAQUE CEREBRALE Association; Formation de Recherche en Neurologie Vasculaire (Association Claude Bernard).