Influence of Hydrocortisone on Immunologic Markers and Health Care Related Quality of Life in Patients After Cardiac Surgery

Influence of Hydrocortisone on Humoral and Cellular Immunologic Markers in High Risk Patients After Cardiac Surgery

Hydrocortisone has been shown to improve the early outcome of high risk patients after cardiac surgery. A potential mechanism resulting in this effect may be its immunomodulatory action. In this prospective interventional study this hypothesis is to be proven.

Methods: Prospective interventional randomized double blind placebo controlled study.

Intervention: Hydrocortisone in stress doses vs. placebo

Patients: 92 high risk patients after cardiac surgery

Measurements: Cytokines, Toll-like receptors, NF kappa B, outcome data, health care related quality of life, PTSD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction below 39 % duration of the extracorporeal circulation more than 97 min

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Severe liver insufficiency
• Severe renal insufficiency
• Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
• Steroid therapy
• Psychiatric disease