The cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin may reduce spinal cord injury caused by oxygen deprivation associated with surgery, according to a study published in the Sept. 2011 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia.
According to the report, the drug reduced spinal cord injury in laboratory rats. The researchers used a standard technique to produce spinal cord damage due to oxygen deprivation, simulating a serious complication that can occur in patients undergoing major surgery involving the aorta.
In the experiments, the rats received simvastatin or an inactive treatment for one week before interruption of blood flow to the spinal cord, as well as an additional dose 24 hours after blood flow was restored. The researchers compared spinal cord damage and paraplegia and found that after 24 and 48 hours, movement of rear limbs was significantly better in rats that received simvastatin.
Follow-up examination of spinal cord specimens also showed less cellular damage in the simvastatin group.
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According to the report, the drug reduced spinal cord injury in laboratory rats. The researchers used a standard technique to produce spinal cord damage due to oxygen deprivation, simulating a serious complication that can occur in patients undergoing major surgery involving the aorta.
In the experiments, the rats received simvastatin or an inactive treatment for one week before interruption of blood flow to the spinal cord, as well as an additional dose 24 hours after blood flow was restored. The researchers compared spinal cord damage and paraplegia and found that after 24 and 48 hours, movement of rear limbs was significantly better in rats that received simvastatin.
Follow-up examination of spinal cord specimens also showed less cellular damage in the simvastatin group.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Ins and Outs of 4 ASC Anesthesia Provider Models
Mayo Clinic Anesthesiologist Revives Patient After 96 Minutes
Detroit Lions Wide Receiver to Pursue Nurse Anesthesia Degree After Football