Effects of dexamethasone on clinical course, C-reactive protein, S100B protein and von Willebrand factor antigen after paediatric cardiac surgery.
BACKGROUND: Anti-inflammatory treatment with glucocorticoids during cardiopulmonary bypass can reduce inflammatory mediator release, but the effects of glucocorticoid on outcome are controversial. METHODS: We studied the effects of dexamethasone on clinical course, C-reactive protein, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag) and S100B in a randomized masked study of children after open cardiac surgery. Twenty children weighing >10 kg received dexamethasone (1 mg kg(-1)) and 20 controls received saline after induction of anaesthesia. We measured vWf:Ag as a marker of endothelial activation, S100B as a marker of cerebral protein release and C-reactive protein as a marker of inflammatory activity. Oxygenation, body temperature, fluid balance, leucocyte and platelet counts, days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and days on mechanical ventilation were noted. RESULTS: Dexamethasone decreased C-reactive protein concentration on the first postoperative day (P<0.05), but did not affect the release of vWf:Ag or S100B. There was no significant difference in oxygenation, body temperature, fluid balance, leucocyte and platelet counts, days in the ICU or days on mechanical ventilation between the placebo and dexamethasone-treated groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of dexamethasone before cardiopulmonary bypass for paediatric cardiac surgery decreased the inflammatory response, but did not affect the immediate features after surgery or changes in vWf:Ag or S100B.