Plasma levels of methylprednisolone following administration during cardiac surgery.

Methylprednisolone was given to patients undergoing open-heart surgery in a dose of 30 mg/kg administered following induction of anaesthesia and repeated with the start of cardiopulmonary bypass. The effects of this treatment on 2,3-DPG. P50 and cardiac index were compared with a control group who did not receive steroids. In addition plasma levels of methylprednisolone were assayed throughout the operations and up to 24 hours postoperatively. There was no significant difference between the two groups despite apparently adequate plasma levels of methylprednisolone, and it is concluded that steroids do not affect the P50 or 2,3-DPG in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.