Effects of dexamethasone on pulmonary and renal functions in patients undergoing CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract

This study evaluates whether dexamesathone in patients undergoing CABG using CPB results in better renal and pulmonary outcome.

Methods: 100 patients were randomized to receive either placebo or dexamethasone (1 mg/ kg, at induction of anesthesia and 0.5 mg/kg 8 h later).

Results: The differences regarding pulmonary parameters over times were significant in relation to measurements taken 10 minutes after intubation within groups; nevertheless, differences were significant between groups only at 12, 24 hours for A-a O(2) gradient, respiratory index, PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio. Dexamethasone had no effect on extubation time. Creatinine clearance, urinary micro albumin excretion and (NAG) levels were comparable in both the groups. The dexamethasone treated patients were more likely to have hyperglycemia.

Conclusions: Dexamethasone offers no renal protective effect and the drug is associated with significant improvement in A-a O(2) gradient, respiratory index, PaO(2)/FiO( 2) at 12, 24 hours postoperatively and had no effect on extubation time and lung compliance.