[Effects of simvastatin on acute-phase protein levels after cardiac surgery]

There is contradictory evidence as to whether the pleiotropic effects of statins improve morbidity/mortality rates in coronary artery bypass grafting with extracorporeal circulation, as they reduce the protein plasma levels in the acute phase.

This randomized prospective study included 44 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting with extracorporeal circulation who were allocated to one of 2 groups: group A (n = 22), patients taking simvastatin, and group B, control (n = 22). The plasma levels of interleukin-6, complement 4 and C-reactive protein were determined.

No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups with respect to the acute-phase protein levels, or the postoperative complications. In both groups, compared with the initial levels, interleukin-6 levels peaked at 6 h after surgery and C-reactive protein at 48 h. Complement 4 levels decreased from the start of the cardiopulmonary bypass and returned progressively toward the baseline value at 48 h after surgery.

Simvastatin in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass produces no significant differences in the levels of acute-phase protein.