The effect of statins on perioperative inflammation in cardiac and thoracic surgery

Statins are being used with increasing frequency for indications beyond lipid-lowering therapy. In the perioperative setting, the use of statins as anti-inflammatory agents has been an area of growing interest. Despite the early clinical adoption, the data are controversial. Herein we review the available clinical trials examining the effects of statin therapy on perioperative markers of inflammation in cardiac and thoracic surgery.