Background: Ischemic stroke is a commom cause of death. The role of statins in secondary prevention of the chronic ischemic stroke phase has been established; however, evidence regarding their efficacy in the acute ischemic stroke phase is limited and contradictory. 
Aims: To evaluate the association between statin use and mortality risk of death in during the acute phase of ischemic stroke in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. 
Methods: This was an observational and prospective study of ischemic stroke patients aged≥18 years admitted to the intensive care unit. Medications used during the first 7 days after the ictus, as well as medications used previously, were recorded. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during the first 7 days. 
Results: Patients who died were older, had a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction, higher scores on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and lower systolic blood pressure. Statins and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were used more frequently among survivors. These associations persisted even after adjustment for confounding variables. 
Conclusion: Statins and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors use during hospitalization were independently associated with a lower rate of all-cause mortality in the first 7 days of intensive care unit admission.

Association between statin use and mortality risk during the acute phase of ischemic stroke in patients admitted to the intensive care unit