The effect of pitavastatin in an ischemic skin flap model in rats

The use of statins as a prophylactic drug for ischemic damage in flap surgery has been suggested in recent years, due to their pleiotropic effects. Among the statins, pitavastatin has greater activity and fewer side effects than other forms. In this study, we have analyzed the effect of pitavastatin on the distal ischemic damage of the flaps in a rat flap model.

An experimental study was carried out with 2 groups of 12 Wistar rats. A dorsal McFarlane flap was used in both groups. The first group was given a placebo for 7 days after the intervention while the second group was given the placebo mixed with pitavastatin at a dose of 5 mg/kg per day. At the end of these 7 days, the rats were sacrificed and the necrotic area of each flap was evaluated, as well as the degree of histological damage under microscopy.

All 24 rats survived to the end of the study. The control group presented an average necrosis area of 22.77 cm², compared to 8.14 cm² in the treatment group. Regarding histological damage, the control group presented an average score of 23.91 points, compared to 15.08 points in the treatment group. We found statistically significant differences in favor of the treatment group for both variables.

Our study shows a significant prophylactic effect of pitavastatin over distal ischemia damage on a rat flap model. Therefore, said drug may be useful in planning large flaps. Despite this, new studies in humans are necessary.

Level of evidence: Not ratable