Relationship between prior statin therapy and radiological features and clinical outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage

OBJECTIVES: A post-hoc analysis of the ICH Deferoxamine (i-DEF) trial was performed to examine any associations pre-ICH statin use may have with ICH volume, PHE volume, and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline characteristics were assessed. Various ICH and PHE parameters were measured via a quantitative, semi-automated method at baseline and follow-up CT scans 72-96 h later. A multivariable logistic regression model was created, adjusting for the variables that were significantly different on univariable analyses (p < 0.05), to assess any associations between pre-ICH statin use and measures of ICH and PHE, as well as good clinical outcome (mRS ≤2), at 90 and 180 days. RESULTS: 262 of 291 i-DEF participants had complete data available for analysis. 69 (26.3 %) used statins prior to ICH onset. Pre-ICH statin users had higher prevalences of hypertension, diabetes, and prior ischemic stroke; higher concomitant use of antihypertensives and antiplatelets; and higher blood glucose level at baseline. On univariable analyses, pre-ICH statin users had smaller baseline ICH volume and PHE volume on repeat scan, as well as smaller changes in relative PHE (rPHE) volume and edema extension distance (EED) between the baseline and repeat scans. In the multivariable analysis, none of the ICH and PHE measures or good clinical outcome was significantly associated with pre-ICH statin use. CONCLUSION: Pre-ICH statin use was not associated with measures of ICH or PHE, their growth, or clinical outcomes. These findings do not lend support to either overall protective or deleterious effects from statin use before or after ICH.