Compliance and echographic carotid plaque evolution in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with atorvastatin
Insights
Atorvastatin treatment in acute ischemic stroke patients showed significant lipid improvements but did not alter carotid plaque morphology. Compliance was irregular, with many patients stopping treatment within a year.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients often have dyslipidemia and carotid atherosclerosis.
- Statins, like atorvastatin, are crucial for managing cardiovascular risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate atorvastatin compliance and efficacy in AIS patients over one year.
- To assess effects on carotid atheromatous plaque and lipid profiles under usual care.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-six AIS patients were enrolled.
- Lipid profiles and carotid plaque morphology were analyzed at baseline and one year.
- Treatment compliance was monitored.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were observed.
- HDL cholesterol levels increased.
- No significant modifications in carotid plaque morphology were detected.
- Nineteen patients (nearly 30%) discontinued atorvastatin treatment within the year.
Conclusions:
- Atorvastatin treatment in AIS patients demonstrates significant lipid-lowering effects.
- Compliance with long-term atorvastatin therapy in this population is a concern.
- Despite compliance issues, the lipid and potential pleiotropic benefits suggest continued atorvastatin use in AIS patients.
Abstract:
The aim of the paper is to assess the compliance and efficacy of atorvastatin treatment according to usual care on carotid atheromatous plaque and lipids during follow-up for one year in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Sixty-six patients were included. Morphological plaque characteristics were described and a complete blood analysis was performed at admission and at one year. Nineteen patients stopped treatment. Lipid reduction was significant in triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, with an increase in HDL cholesterol. Morphological characteristics of carotid plaque were not modified. In conclusion, an irregular compliance has been seen in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with atorvastatin according to usual care. Nearly one-third of our patients stopped the treatment before the course of a year. The effect on lipids and its pleiotropic effect on atheromatous carotid artery disease might support the long-term use of atorvastatin, regardless of the dose, in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
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