Effects of high-dose methylprednisolone on neonatal pulmonary function after cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

Methylprednisolone has been widely used during neonatal cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), in order to limit the inflammatory response and postperfusion syndrome. However, the influence of high-dose methylprednisolone pretreatment on postoperative respiratory function and pulmonary haemodynamics in the neonate is controversial. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether methyl-prednisolone improves preperfusion and postperfusion pulmonary function and haemodynamics.