Corticosteroid Prophylaxis in Cardiac Surgery

A meta-analysis suggests that low-dose steroid administration can reduce the risk for perioperative AF.

A transient systemic inflammatory response occurs during cardiac surgery. These investigators performed a meta-analysis encompassing 3323 participants in 50 randomized controlled trials in 16 countries to assess the clinical benefits and risks of corticosteroid prophylaxis for inflammatory complications, particularly atrial fibrillation, after adult cardiac surgery. Doses ranged from 214 mg to 72,000 mg of hydrocortisone or equivalent doses of other agents.

Corticosteroid prophylaxis was associated with a reduction in levels of various inflammatory markers 24 hours after surgery, a reduction in time spent in the intensive care unit, and, ultimately, a significant reduction in the risk for AF. This finding was not affected by corticosteroid d…

Reviewing Author

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute