Effect of Probucol and Atorvastatin Combination Therapy on Cognitive Function in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

Abstract Background In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of probucol combined with atorvastatin on cognitive impairment after infarction in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and to compare the evaluation methods of cognitive impairment. Patients and methods: A total of 81 patients with acute ischaemic stroke admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College between November 2020 and May 2021 were enrolled in this study. Using a random number table method, they were divided into probucol combined with atorvastatin (n = 40) and atorvastatin (n = 41) groups. Cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) scores and blood lipid levels were assessed six months after treatment and compared between the two groups. Results Approximately 60.5% (49/81) of patients in the acute phase of stroke experienced cognitive decline. After six months, 39.5% (32/81) of the patients improved from baseline, with 27.5% (11/40) in the combined therapy group and 51.2% (21/41) in the atorvastatin group presenting with cognitive impairment. Patients with cognitive impairment after six months were significantly different between the two groups (t = 4.766, P = 0.029). Serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference in the common carotid artery intimal thickness and plaque area (P > 0.05) between the treatment groups. In terms of factors affecting cognition, the multivariate generalised estimating equations suggested a statistically significant difference in terms of previous cerebrovascular history, measurement stage, combination therapy, infarct area, and LDL levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion Probucol combined with atorvastatin can significantly improve post-stroke cognitive function and quality of life in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and is safe, feasible, and worthy of clinical promotion. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000040461) registed time:2020-11-28