Glucocorticoids in adult cardiac surgery; old drugs revisited

Perfusion. 2013 Sep;28(5):395-402. doi: 10.1177/0267659113488433. Epub 2013 May 29.

Abstract

Glucocorticoids can play a pivotal role in modulating different immune responses. The role of glucocorticoids in cardiac surgery is still controversial as many surgeons are concerned about the potential side effects. In this review, we looked at the role of glucocorticoid administration in modulating postoperative inflammatory responses, atrial fibrillation (AF) and intimal hyperplasia and whether glucocorticoid use is associated with a significant increase in undesirable postoperative complication.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; glucocorticoids; inflammation; intimal hyperplasia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / drug therapy
  • Atrial Fibrillation / immunology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / pathology
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures* / methods
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia / drug therapy
  • Hyperplasia / immunology
  • Hyperplasia / pathology
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy*
  • Postoperative Complications / immunology
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Tunica Intima / drug effects
  • Tunica Intima / immunology
  • Tunica Intima / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Glucocorticoids