Effect of Statins on Early and Late Clinical Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy and the Rate of Post-Carotid Endarterectomy Restenosis

BackgroundThis study analyzed the effect of statins on clinical outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and the rate of restenosis.Study DesignWe performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 500 consecutive CEAs followed at 1, 6, and 12 months and every year.ResultsThere were 299 patients on statins vs 201 without. Combined perioperative MI/death rates were 2.7% vs 4% (p = 0.416) and MI/stroke/death rates were 4% vs 5% (p = 0.607) for statins vs no statins. At mean follow-up (27 months), MI, stroke, and death rates were: 9.7%, 2.3%, and 2.3% vs 9%, 2.5% and 4.5% (p = 0.18) for statins vs no statins, respectively. Diabetic patients not on statins had 4 times more deaths (8.5% vs 2.3%) and twice as many strokes/deaths (10.2% vs 5.3%). Patients with hypercholesterolemia who were not on statins had twice as many deaths (4.3% vs 2.2%). Rates of freedom from stroke/MI/death at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years were: 94%, 90%, 85% and 77% vs 94%, 89%, 85%, and 82% (p = 0.87) for statins vs no statins, respectively. Rates of freedom from death only for patients on statins vs no statins at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years were: 98%, 98%, 97.4% and 97.4% vs 98%, 96%, 94.8% and 94.8%, respectively (p = 0.191). For diabetic patients, rates of freedom from death at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years were 99%, 99%, 97%, and 97% for statins vs 97%, 90%, 90%, and 90% without statins, respectively (p = 0.048). Post-CEA restenosis rates ≥50% were not significantly different between statins vs no statins (p = 0.64).ConclusionsStatins significantly lowered death rates in patients with diabetes and tended to lower both death and stroke rates in diabetic patients and patients with hypercholesterolemia. Statins had no effect on post-CEA restenosis.