Open AccessCan Statins Improve Outcomes After Isolated Cardiac Valve Surgery? A Systematic Literature Review
Author(s) -
Chacko Jacob,
Harling Leanne,
Ashrafian Hutan,
Athanasiou Thanos
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.22140
Subject(s) - medicine , statin , concomitant , coronary artery disease , observational study , cardiology , valve replacement , prospective cohort study , cardiac surgery , coronary heart disease , surgery , stenosis
Background 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. Hypothesis The pleiotropic effects of statins may produce similar beneficial effects on outcomes after IVS . Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed investigating the role of statins in bioprosthetic valve replacement. Results 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. Conclusions 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.