Bruno Kusznir Vitturi1, Rubens José Gagliardi2. 1. Department of Neurology, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, Dr. Cesário Motta Júnior Street 112, São Paulo, 01221-020, Brazil. z_azul@hotmail.com. 2. Department of Neurology, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, Dr. Cesário Motta Júnior Street 112, São Paulo, 01221-020, Brazil.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Currently, statins are widely used for secondary prevention of stroke due to their pleiotropic neuroprotective effects. Epilepsy is a common complication of cerebrovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of statin therapy on the occurrence of post-stroke epilepsy (PSE). METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients who suffered an ischemic stroke and without history of epilepsy before stroke were enrolled. At baseline, patients were classified according to the particularities of statin therapy. Statin use onset and adherence to treatment were registered as well. After a follow-up period of 1 year, we assessed the occurrence of seizures and PSE. RESULTS: Among the 477 patients included in our cohort, there were 91 (19.1%) patients without statins, 160 (33.5%) with simvastatin 20 mg, 180 (37.7%) with simvastatin 40 mg, and 46 (9.6%) with high-potency statins. Overall, PSE emerged in 53 (11.1%) patients. PSE was significantly more prevalent among those who did not receive statins and those with lower doses of simvastatin. Acute onset of statin use was associated with reduced odds of having PSE. CONCLUSION: Adequate treatment with statins after stroke may lower the risk of PSE.
BACKGROUND: Currently, statins are widely used for secondary prevention of stroke due to their pleiotropic neuroprotective effects. Epilepsy is a common complication of cerebrovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of statin therapy on the occurrence of post-stroke epilepsy (PSE). METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients who suffered an ischemic stroke and without history of epilepsy before stroke were enrolled. At baseline, patients were classified according to the particularities of statin therapy. Statin use onset and adherence to treatment were registered as well. After a follow-up period of 1 year, we assessed the occurrence of seizures and PSE. RESULTS: Among the 477 patients included in our cohort, there were 91 (19.1%) patients without statins, 160 (33.5%) with simvastatin 20 mg, 180 (37.7%) with simvastatin 40 mg, and 46 (9.6%) with high-potency statins. Overall, PSE emerged in 53 (11.1%) patients. PSE was significantly more prevalent among those who did not receive statins and those with lower doses of simvastatin. Acute onset of statin use was associated with reduced odds of having PSE. CONCLUSION: Adequate treatment with statins after stroke may lower the risk of PSE.