The Effects of Methylprednisolone on the Complications of Coronary Artery Surgery

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Abstract
Complications of coronary artery surgery were analyzed in a prospective controlled study of 150 patients, 1 group receiving methylprednisolone before temporary cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient population was comparable in both groups. The number of deaths was the same in both groups, and myocardial infarction and cardiac arrhythmias were definitely lower in the Solu-Medrol group. Cerebral vascular accidents were higher in the control group and there were none in the drug treated group. Incidences of pulmonary embolism was reduced by the drug. O2 consumption by the tissues was higher in the Solu-Medrol treated group. There were no known complications of the drug, such as stress ulcer and infection. One patient did receive prophylactic antibiotics. Solu-Medrol was deliberately given in patients who were known to have uncomplicated duodenal ulcer. Post-operative bleeding in patients with duodenal ulcer was not noted. This could be explained due to the short acting nature of Solu-Medrol. Solu-Medrol does minimize serious sequelae of heart-lung machine in coronary artery surgery.