Statin on post-stroke epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Recent research has shown that statins can reduce the incidence of epilepsy after stroke, especially ischemic stroke, but the results are inconsistent. In view of current stroke guidelines do not recommend the use of anti-epileptic drugs (AED) for the prevention of epilepsy after stroke, statins may be a good choice. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of statins on the prevention of epilepsy after stroke.

Methods: Correlative cohort studies were identified through search of PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase databases. The main outcomes included post-stroke epilepsy (PSE) and early-onset seizure (ES). Subgroup analyses and Sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the influences of the predefined study characteristics on the outcome.

Results: Seven studies were included (n = 40831). Statin use was associated with a lower risk of PSE (including 6 articles) (odds ratio [OR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.42, 0.84], p = 0.003), and there is a remarkable effect in ES (including 6 articles) (OR 0.36, 95% CI [0.25, 0.54], p < 0.00001).

Conclusion: Appropriate use of statins after stroke can reduce the risk of PSE, especially ES.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Ischemic stroke; Statin; Stroke.