Effect of prior statin use on outcome after severe traumatic brain injury in a South-East Asian population

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global concern associated with high mortality and morbidity. Costs to individuals and society are extensive due to poor recovery, long-term disability and the young age group affected. Statins have emerged as potential therapeutic agents in TBI. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of statins in severe TBI.

Methods: This case-control study included adults with severe TBI. A sliding dichotomy approach was used to dichotomize mortality at 14-days and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at 6 months. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) for 14-day mortality and 6-month GOS.

Results: Equivalent cohorts of 59 age- and sex-matched statin and non-statin users were selected, resulting in population of 118 (mean age = 70.2 years, SD = 10.3), with a median Glasgow Coma Score of 5. Statins did not reduce the likelihood of mortality at 14 days (adjusted OR = 1.23, p = 0.68) or unfavourable outcome at 6 months (adjusted OR = 1.19, p = 0.78).

Conclusions: Despite increasing evidence for benefit of statins in TBI, this study in an Asian population does not support this association, demonstrating no significant improvement in outcome for statin users. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms and impact of statins in TBI.

Keywords:

• Traumatic brain injury
• disability
• outcome

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Joshua Lam for his valuable contribution towards data collection in the above study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.