The Effect of High-Dose Simvastatin Therapy on Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction

Abstract

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) accounts for the major cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. However, effects of high-dose simvastatin therapy on patients with acute cerebral infarction still unclear. In this study, the clinical efficacy of high-dose simvastatin on patients with cerebral infarction was investigated. A total of 180 patients with acute cerebral infarction were randomized divided into control group (n=60), high-dose simvastatin (HDS) group (n=60) and low-dose simvastatin (LDS) group (n=60). Control group, HDS group and LDS group received conventional treatment, conventional treatment together with simvastatin 80 mg/d and conventional treatment as well as simvastatin 40 mg/d respectively for 3 months. Biochemical indices, neurological deficit and plaque thickness and volume were assessed and recorded after treatment. After simvastatin treatment, the plasma levels of Triglyceride, Total cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein were significantly decreased in HDS group and LDS group, and HDS were significantly increased in HDS group and LDS group. Also, simvastatin decreased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, two major inflammatory factors in plasma. Furthermore, improved neurological deficit were found in simvastatin treatment groups. In addition, simvastatin treatment also improved plaque states include plaque thickness and volume in HDS group and LDS group. Therefore, simvastatin could improve acute cerebral infarction and high-dose of simvastatin treatment was better than low -dose of simvastatin treatment.