Adult respiratory distress syndrome in cases of severe trauma--the prophylactic value of methylprednisolone sodium succinate
Van der Merwe, C.J.; Louw, A.F.; Welthagen, D.; Schoeman, H.S.
South African Medical Journal 67(8): 279-284
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 3885438 Document Number: 265865
The more important known pathogenetic mechanisms apparently responsible for the development of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are briefly discussed. Reactions in the development of ARDS for which corticosteroids are possibly beneficial are pointed out. A prospective study involving 92 patients was designed to determine the prophylactic value of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) (Solu-Medrol; Upjohn) in preventing ARDS. MPSS was administered to 47 seriously injured patients and omitted from the management regimen of 45 patients comparable as regards age and severity of injury. The percentage of patients who developed ARDS was significantly lower in the group that received MPSS than in the control group.