Background: HMG CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase inhibitors, or statins, have been associated with an improvement in outcomes after coronary artery surgery for some time; however, their role in isolated valve surgery (IVS) remains undetermined.
Hypothesis: The pleiotropic effects of statins may produce similar beneficial effects on outcomes after IVS.
Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed investigating the role of statins in bioprosthetic valve replacement.
Results: Nine observational studies (7 retrospective, 2 prospective) incorporating a total of 18 154 patients were found investigating the role of statin therapy in bioprosthetic valve replacement.
Conclusions: There is presently insufficient evidence to recommend routine statin therapy in IVS, unless concomitant hypercholesterolemia or coronary artery disease is present. A prospective study clearly defining the dose, type, and duration of therapy is now required to finally clarify whether statins alone confer a postoperative benefit in these patients.
© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.