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Published on: September 15, 2023
The Effect of Statins on Bleeding in Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Statins in CABG
Mustafa Karaarslan1, Osman Fehmi Beyazal1, Nihan Kayalar1
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Basaksehir G-434 Street No: 2L, Istanbul 34480, Turkey.
Insights
Preoperative statin use in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients did not increase postoperative bleeding. However, statins significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF).
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common cardiac surgery.
- The role of preoperative statin therapy in mitigating postoperative complications is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of preoperative statin administration on postoperative bleeding and related complications in patients undergoing isolated CABG.
- To assess the association between preoperative statin use and the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF).
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 627 patients undergoing isolated CABG between 2023 and 2025.
- Patients were divided into two groups: preoperative statin users (n=241) and non-users (n=386).
- Comparison of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes, including bleeding, blood product use, and POAF.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in intraoperative parameters, blood product use, or postoperative bleeding were observed between statin users and non-users.
- Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) was significantly lower in patients who received preoperative statins (8.7% vs. 19.2%, p < 0.001).
- A significant negative association was found between statin usage and POAF (OR = 0.418, p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Preoperative statin therapy does not increase postoperative bleeding or blood product requirements in isolated CABG patients.
- Preoperative statin use demonstrates a protective effect against postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in this patient cohort.
Abstract:
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of preoperative statin use on postoperative bleeding and related complications in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Between 2023 and 2025, 627 patients who underwent isolated CABG were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 241, received preoperative statins) and Group B (n = 386, did not receive preoperative statins). All preoperative, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were compared. Results: Patient demographics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, EuroSCORE II, echocardiographic findings, operative data, cross-clamp times, and cardiopulmonary bypass times were similar. Intraoperative and postoperative blood product use were comparable between the groups. Postoperative total bleeding was higher in Group A than in Group B, but no statistical difference was found. The postoperative exploration rate was higher in Group A than in Group B, but no statistically significant difference was found. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of gastrointestinal bleeding. Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (21 (8.7%)-74 (19.2%), p < 0.001). Mortality was higher in Group B than in Group A, but no statistically significant difference was found (3 (1.2%)-14 (3.6%), p = 0.07). Intensive care unit stay was longer in Group B than in Group A. A significant negative association was found between statin usage and POAF (p = 0.001, OR = 0.418). Conclusions: We found no statistically significant increase in postoperative bleeding or blood product use with preoperative statin therapy in isolated CABG patients. However, we found that preoperative statin therapy was protective against POAF.
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