DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/NPJA-1S76

Defense Date

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Pharmacy

First Advisor

Gretchen Brophy

Abstract

There is conflicting data on the effects of statins on cerebral vasospasm and clinical outcomes in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients. In this retrospective cohort study, patients were divided into those who received pravastatin (PRAV group) 40mg/d and those who did not (NP group). Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Eighty-one patients met inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant decreased in the incidence of vasospasm in the PRAV group; however, this association did not retain significance after adjusting for WFNS, race, elevated WBC, and clipping (59% PRAV vs. 88% NP, p=0.08). There was no statistically significant difference in proportion of severe radiological vasospasm or mortality between groups. However, there was a trend towards a decreased mean length of stay (P=0.06) and a significantly higher proportion of survivors discharged to home in the PRAV group (P<0.0001). In conclusion, there was a trend towards a decrease in the incidence of vasospasm in the aSAH receiving pravastatin, but this trend did not achieve statistical significance after adjusting for potential confounders. Pravastatin was associated with other favorable clinical outcomes.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

December 2009

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