Scandinavian cardiovascular journal : SCJ
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Scand. Cardiovasc. J. · Jan 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffect of methylprednisolone on the oxidative burst activity, adhesion molecules and clinical outcome following open heart surgery.
Following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), activated granulocytes may be involved with ischaemia/ reperfusion injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether steroids could reduce the oxidative burst activity of granulocytes, the expression of adhesion molecules on granulocytes and improve clinical outcome. Sixteen patients undergoing open heart surgery participated in the study. ⋯ Steroids prevented hyperthermia in the postoperative period but did not improve the weaning from the ventilator or reduce the stay in the intensive-care unit. In conclusion, treatment with steroids prevented hyperthermia following open heart surgery with CPB and reduced capillary leak during ECC. Methylprednisolone, however, did not reduce the oxidative burst activity or the expression of adhesion molecules on granulocytes following CPB.