Effects of atorvastatin in different dosage on plasma level of fibrinogen in patients with acute cerebral infarction

Objective To investigate whether intervention with two different dosage of atorvastatin may benefit to plasma level of fibrinogen (Fg) in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods One hundred and two patients with acute cerebral infarction were randomly assigned into three groups:the control group (33 cases) treated without lipid-lowering drugs, 10 rag (30 cases) and 20 mg (39 cases) atorvastatin group with 3 days of treatment. Before and after the treatment, the plasma levels of Fg and lipids were detected.Results The treatment of 10 mg atorvastatin did not significantly decrease the level of Fg. Compared to the control group, the level of Fg was markedly reduced by 20 mg atorvastatin (21.6% vs 3.2%,P< 0.05). No changes of lipid levels were observed in any group before and after the treatment, whilst there was no relation between the decreasing percentage of Fg and that of TC(r = 0.125 ,P= 0.618), TG(r = 0.147,P = 0.573) or LDL- C (r = -0.279, P = 0.235 ), HDL-C (r = -0.021, P = 0.157). Conclusion Treatment with high dose atorvastatin (20 mg) for 3 days could reduce the level of Fg, and improve the function of vascular endothehum,which may promote the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. Key words: Brain infarction;  Antilipemic agents;  Atorvastatin;  Fibrinogen