Evidence that Statins Protect Renal Function During Endovascular Repair of AAAs

ObjectivesSeveral studies have documented a slight but significant deterioration of renal function after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (EVAR). The aim of this retrospective study was therefore to investigate whether medication with statins may favourably affect perioperative renal function.Material and MethodsFrom January 2000 to January 2008, out of a total cohort of 287 elective patients receiving endovascular repair of their AAA or aortoiliac aneurysm, 127 patients were included in the present study, as their medication was reliably retrievable. Patients were divided according to whether their medication included statins (>3 months). Second, they were subdivided according to their supra- (SR) or infrarenal (IR) endograft fixation. Serum creatinine (SCr) and creatinine (CrCl) clearance were determined preoperatively, postoperatively, at 6 and 12 months. Patients with known pre-existing renal disease, with incorrect placement of the stent graft resulting in severe renal artery stenosis, and with occlusion or renal parenchymal infarction were excluded from the study.ResultsPatients receiving an infrarenal fixation of their graft had no change in the renal function, regardless whether they were on statins or not. In patients with SR fixation not receiving statins, a deterioration in renal function was observed in the early postoperative period ((SCr) preoperative vs. SCr postoperative: 1.02 ± 0.2 vs. 1.11 ± 0.28, p < 0.001 and (Cr.Cl) preoperative vs. Cr.Cl postoperative: 74.1 ± 21.4 vs. 68.0 ± 21.4, p < 0.001), whereas patients on statins experienced no change in renal function (SCr preoperative vs. SCr postoperative: 0.99 ± 0.24 vs. 1.02 ± 0.20 n.s. and Cr.Cl preop vs. Cr.Clpostop.: 76.4 ± 19.1 vs. 74.28 ± 20.50, n.s.). During follow-up, a constant worsening of renal function at 6 and 12 months was observed, irrespective of the medication with statins.ConclusionsThe present study suggests a slight immediate deterioration of the renal function using (SR) fixation, and this could be prevented by the use of statins. During follow-up, statins did not protect from further renal deterioration. Broader studies are needed to confirm a definitive relation between statin use and renal protection during the endovascular repair of AAA.