Circulation
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Meta Analysis
Benefits and risks of corticosteroid prophylaxis in adult cardiac surgery: a dose-response meta-analysis.
Cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac surgery are associated with a significant systemic inflammatory response that may increase postoperative complications. This meta-analysis assessed whether the benefits and risks of corticosteroid use were dose dependent in adult cardiac surgery. ⋯ Evidence suggests that low-dose corticosteroid is as effective as high-dose corticosteroid in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation and duration of mechanical ventilation but with fewer potential side effects in adult cardiac surgery.