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

Abstract

Background and objective: 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.

Patients and method: 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.

Results: 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.

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