Statin use is associated with reduced motor recovery after spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-020-00378-y · Published: January 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of statin use on motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). It examines whether cholesterol-lowering agents affect the recovery of motor function in individuals with SCI. The study found that a significant percentage of individuals with SCI were prescribed cholesterol-lowering agents. It also observed that statin use was associated with reduced motor recovery after SCI. Researchers analyzed data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, focusing on patients with traumatic SCI. They assessed the frequency of statin use and its correlation with motor function recovery over a two-month period following the injury.

Study Duration

2005 to 2018

Participants

83 individuals with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Retrospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
30% of individuals with SCI had a prescription for a cholesterol-lowering agent.
2
The change in motor subscore was reduced in the statin group compared to controls (p = 0.03, Mann–Whitney).
3
Both severity of SCI and statins were signiﬁcant predictors of reduced motor recovery (p = 0.001, and p = 0.04, respectively).

Research Summary

This retrospective study analyzed data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project to determine the prevalence of cholesterol-lowering agent use after SCI and its impact on motor function recovery. The study found that 30% of individuals with SCI were prescribed cholesterol-lowering agents, and statin use was associated with reduced motor recovery. The researchers concluded that both the severity of SCI and statin use were significant predictors of reduced motor recovery, suggesting a need for further investigation into the impact of statin therapy in CNS injury and repair.

Practical Implications

Clinical Considerations

Clinicians should consider the potential impact of statin use on motor recovery when treating patients with SCI.

Further Research

Additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms by which statins may affect neurological recovery after injury.

Risk-Benefit Assessment

A careful assessment of the risks and benefits of statin therapy is warranted in individuals with SCI, especially during the acute recovery phase.

Study Limitations

1
Unassessed covariables may explain some or all of the relationship between statin therapy and reduced functional recovery.
2
Inconsistent follow-up at later timepoints precluded assessment of long-term progress.
3
It is not possible from this dataset to conclude the degree to which inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis impacts neural repair.

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