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Published in: Neurological Sciences 7/2020

01-07-2020 | Stroke | Original Article

The influence of statins on the risk of post-stroke epilepsy

Authors: Bruno Kusznir Vitturi, Rubens José Gagliardi

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 7/2020

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Abstract

Background

Currently, statins are widely used for secondary prevention of stroke due to their pleiotropic neuroprotective effects. Epilepsy is a common complication of cerebrovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of statin therapy on the occurrence of post-stroke epilepsy (PSE).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, patients who suffered an ischemic stroke and without history of epilepsy before stroke were enrolled. At baseline, patients were classified according to the particularities of statin therapy. Statin use onset and adherence to treatment were registered as well. After a follow-up period of 1 year, we assessed the occurrence of seizures and PSE.

Results

Among the 477 patients included in our cohort, there were 91 (19.1%) patients without statins, 160 (33.5%) with simvastatin 20 mg, 180 (37.7%) with simvastatin 40 mg, and 46 (9.6%) with high-potency statins. Overall, PSE emerged in 53 (11.1%) patients. PSE was significantly more prevalent among those who did not receive statins and those with lower doses of simvastatin. Acute onset of statin use was associated with reduced odds of having PSE.

Conclusion

Adequate treatment with statins after stroke may lower the risk of PSE.
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Metadata
Title
The influence of statins on the risk of post-stroke epilepsy
Authors
Bruno Kusznir Vitturi
Rubens José Gagliardi
Publication date
01-07-2020
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Neurological Sciences / Issue 7/2020
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04298-5

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