Effect of Atorvastatin on the Frequency of Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in Patients With Ischemic Stroke

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in ventilated critically ill patients specially in intensive care unit (ICU). It is associated with an increased duration of mechanical ventilation, high death rates and increased healthcare costs in China. However, VAP is preventable and many practices have been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of this disease, but the morbidity is still so high. So much more methods of prevention should be needed to reduce the incidence of VAP.

Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) present anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects besides their ability to regulate cholesterol composition. So it is hypothesized that early use of statin may prevent some of the infection disease such as VAP.

Actually, Two studies have showed that statin treatment is associated with reduced risk of pneumonia. However, the relationship between statins and reduced risk of pneumonia is not consistent.

After reviewing some of the guidelines,meta analyses and system reviews, the investigator find that advanced age,immune suppression from disease or medication and specially depressed level of consciousness are the risk factors of VAP. So the investigator assumes that early use of statin may give us a favorable outcome in the patients with coma or in the patients with severe disease (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score \> 15 or Glasgow coma score \< 7).

In addition there is no prospective study to investigate the role of statins in VAP in the patients with ischemic stroke. The investigator hopes that this study can approve the relationship between statins and reduced risk of VAP in the patients with ischemic stroke. And it can improve the processes,outcomes and costs of critical care as well.

This is a one-center, two-arm, randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial. When a patient with ischemic stroke who needs mechanic ventilation is admitted to ICU,a sealed envelop will be opened which decide whether the patient is assigned to the placebo arm or the atorvastatin arm. During they stay in ICU, one tablet of atorvastatin (40mg) or one tablet of placebo will be administered. Atorvastatin or placebo will be administered through an enteral feeding tube or administered orally when patients are able to safely take oral medications.

VAP diagnosis accords with the comprehensive evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for ventilator-associated pneumonia:Diagnosis and treatment which was published in 2008.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* All consecutive patients with ischemic stroke who are admitted to Intensive Care Unit(ICU) between 1st March.2012 at 00:00 hours (midnight) and the finish date of 31st March. 2014 at 23:59 hours (11.59 pm). Patients who are already in the ICU prior to 1st March. 2012 at 00:00 hours will not be included in the study.
* Duration of mechanical ventilation \> 48h through tracheal tube or tracheotomy
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with pneumonia when they are admitted to ICU.
* Previous use of statin for cholesterol regulation.
* Chronic liver disease or active liver disease.
* Increase of CPK (over 3 times the upper limit) during hospitalization.
* Malnutrition.
* Pregnancy.
* Unwilling to continue the therapy during hospitalization.