High-dose statin before PCI decreases periprocedural MI risk

Loading or reloading with high-dose atorvastatin reduces the risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) and vascular events in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to data presented at the American College of Cardiology 58th Annual Scientific Session. In a loading study, atorvastatin 80 mg administered within 24 hours of PCI to statin-naïve patients reduced the risk of periprocedural non-Q-wave MI by 44%, reported Carlo Briguori, MD, PhD, of Clinica Mediterranea, Naples, Italy. Up to 30% of untreated patients have increases in troponin and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) levels after stent implantation, Dr Briguori said. In this study, 668 statin-naïve patients scheduled for elective PCI were randomized to receive either atorvastatin 80 mg or placebo.