Evaluation of statin use in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage Robin Feito, Christopher Miller, Meghan Bryan Presbyterian Hospital - Novant Health - Charlotte, NC
Background/Purpose: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is an acute cerebrovascular event with the potential for numerous secondary events such as re-bleeding, increased intracranial pressure and vasospasm leading to delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Managing vasospasm may help prevent DCI, but it is currently unclear if statin therapy adds benefit to standard of care nimodipine. The objective of this study is to evaluate the use of statin therapy in aSAH patients.
Methodology: A multicenter, retrospective chart review of patients admitted for SAH was completed for two comprehensive stroke centers within Novant Health. The study evaluated outcomes in three groups of patients: home statin therapy continued during admission, initiation of statin therapy in statin naïve patients, and no statin therapy received during admission. The primary endpoint was the incidence of measured vasospasm by transcranial Doppler (TCD) with secondary endpoints including discharge disposition, mortality, length of stay, and adverse events related to statin therapy.
Presentation Objective: Identify whether statin therapy offers a benefit in the prevention of vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Self-Assessment: What medication, dose, frequency, and duration is considered standard of care for patients with aSAH because it has demonstrated improved outcomes in this patient population?
