BACKGROUND: The effects of pravastatin have been documented in reducing LDL levels. In constrast, the effect of pravastatin in inflammatory function has not yet been demonstrated.

AIM: This study was designed to evaluate action of pravastatin on inflammatory reaction after extracorporeal circulation.

METHODS: In a prospective, randomized study, 20 patients undergoing eletive coronary artery bypass grafting were investigated. Ten patients received 80mg p.o. of pravastatin 36 and 12h before surgery, and a control group of 10 did not. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alfa, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and postoperative blood loss were analysed before and after cardiopulmonary bypass.

RESULTS: Interleukin-6 in both groups significantly increased after Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) when comparing to the measures pre bypass and there was no significant diferences between the two groups. Interleukin-8 increased (p=0.017) in group control at 6h after CPB compared with group P. C-reative protein was increased (p=0.015) in group pravastatin before CPB compared with control. Median levels are 9.9 (7.0-15.6) and 5.0 (5.0-9.3) mg/dL. Despite this previous elevation, at 24h after CPB group P showed significantly lower levels than group control (p=0.004). Median levels are 62 (38.7-73.6) and 109.0 (104.0-112.0) mg/dL in groups P and C, respectively. Postoperative blood loss was significantly lower in group pravastatin than in group control (p=0.019).

CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that pravastatin pre-treatment preceding CPB reduced systemic inflammatory response. The effects of administration are immediate and antinflammatory action is not mediated by lipid lowering. Pravastatin also reduced mediastinal postoperative bleeding.

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