ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Surg., 01 June 2022

Sec. Cardiovascular Surgery

Volume 9 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2022.832205

Meta-Analysis: Shouldn’t Prophylactic Corticosteroids be Administered During Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass?

  • 1. Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China

  • 2. Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

  • 3. Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Fujian Medical University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China

  • 4. Department of anesthesiology, Xinyi People’s Hospital, Xuzhou, China

  • 5. Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China

  • 6. Nursing Department, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China

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Abstract

Background:

Corticosteroids can effectively inhibit systemic inflammation induced by cardiopulmonary bypass. Recently clinical trials and meta-analyses and current guidelines for cardiac surgery do not support corticosteroids prophylaxis during cardiac surgery because of an increase in myocardial infarction and no benefit for patients. The aim of this study is to determine whether specific corticosteroids dose ranges might provide clinical benefits without increasing myocardial infarction.

Methods:

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before August 1, 2021.

Results:

88 RCTs with 18,416 patients (17,067 adults and 1,349 children) were identified. Relative to placebo and high-dose corticosteroids, low-dose corticosteroids (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone) during adult cardiac surgery did not increase the risks of myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR]: 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43–2.17; p = 0.93). However, low-dose corticosteroids were associated with lower risks of atrial fibrillation (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44–0.76; p < 0.0001) and kidney injury (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–0.96; p = 0.04). Furthermore, low-dose corticosteroids significantly shortened the mechanical ventilation times (mean difference [MD]: −2.74 h, 95% CI: −4.14, −1.33; p = 0.0001), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD: −1.48 days, 95% CI: −2.73, −0.22; p = 0.02), and hospital stay (MD: −2.29 days, 95% CI: −4.51, −0.07; p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Low-dose corticosteroids prophylaxis during cardiac surgery provided significant benefits for adult patients, without increasing the risks of myocardial infarction and other complications.

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is used during most cardiac surgeries, although CPB often induces systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (1). The development of SIRS involves activation of complement, platelets, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and cascade reactions, which leads to increased endothelial permeability, blood vessel damage, and parenchymal cell damage (24). These events are associated with single and multiple organ dysfunction, myocardial injury and infarction, respiratory failure, and ultimately death (57).

Corticosteroids are inexpensive drugs that can effectively inhibit inflammation, limit systemic capillary leak syndrome, and reduce organ damage, which provides a theoretical basis for their use during CPB (810). However, corticosteroids can cause side effects, including hyperglycemia, which is associated with immunosuppression and poor wound healing (11, 12). In addition, high-dose corticosteroids are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and myocardial infarction (11, 12). Thus, the benefits of corticosteroids treatment are controversial for patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB (1315).

Three meta-analyses of small RCTs revealed that prophylactic corticosteroids could reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation after adult cardiac surgery, also caused some side effects (57). Two large multi-center RCTs subsequently revealed that corticosteroids therapy provided no benefits and increased the risk of myocardial infarction in adult patients (13, 14). Thus, the adult cardiac surgery guidelines do not recommend routine prophylactic use of corticosteroids during cardiac surgery (16), although there are no specific guidelines regarding corticosteroids use during pediatric cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that the specific corticosteroids dose range might influence the risks and benefits during cardiac surgery with CPB. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent benefits and risks of prophylactic corticosteroids for adults and children undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB.

Methods

Ethical Statement

This study was a meta-analysis of the results of published randomized controlled trials, and ethical approval and informed consent of patients were not required.

Search Strategy and Selection Criteria

Two authors (XJY and MYT) searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ClinicalTrials, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for relevant RCTs that were published in any language before August 1, 2021. The reference lists of relevant articles were also manually checked. The study protocol followed the PRISMA-P guidelines (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020193658). The search terms were: (“corticosteroids” OR “dexamethasone” OR “prednisolone” OR “prednisone” OR “methylprednisolone” OR “hydrocortisone”) AND (“cardiopulmonary bypass” OR “cardiac surgery”) AND (“randomized controlled trials”) (Supplementary Table S1).

The meta-analysis only included RCTs that compared corticosteroids with a placebo used before or at the beginning of CPB. Patients undergoing surgery with CPB for heart and/or valvular diseases were included. And the studies were excluded if they used different concomitant medications or evaluated corticosteroids during off-pump heart surgery.

Two authors (TCC and XHZ) independently determined whether the identified articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The two authors also independently used pre-designed data extraction forms to record information regarding trial characteristics, clinical outcomes, randomization methods, application of blinding, allocation concealment, inclusion criteria, and exclusion criteria. There were no instances of disagreement regarding the extracted data.

Data Analysis

Study characteristics included first author, publication date, country, study size, study design, randomization, blinding, follow-up duration, patient withdrawals, and study duration. Patient characteristics included age, sex, surgery type, blood pressure, history of diabetes, history of smoking, renal status, and fulfillment of the inclusion criteria. The interventions included the corticosteroids type, dose, timing, and route of administration during CPB.

The primary outcomes included myocardial infarction, insulin use, mortality, new atrial fibrillation, lengths of ICU and hospital stays, acute kidney injury, mechanical ventilation time. The secondary outcomes included postoperative bleeding, re-intubation, duration of CPB and procedure, pulmonary complications (pulmonary edema), postoperative infection, neurological complications (stroke), delirium, gastrointestinal bleeding, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use, vasoactive medication use, re-thoracotomy, inotropic score, blood transfusion, and and blood concentrations of glucose, lactate, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10 at 24 h after CPB.

The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Jadad score were used to assess the risk of bias for each trial (17, 18). The data were synthesized using Review Manager version 5.3 and Stata software version 16 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). Inter-study heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-squared test and I2 statistic, with the random effects model used for data with high heterogeneity (p < 0.1 or I2 > 50%) and the fixed effects model used for data with less heterogeneity. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to pool binary data and the results were reported as ORs with 95% CIs. An inverse variance analysis method was used to pool continuous data and the results were reported as MDs with 95% CIs. The GRADEpro GDT (https://www.gradepro.org/) was used to classify the certainty of evidence.

Results

This study identified 88 RCTs from 27 countries that included 18,416 patients (Figure 1). The trials considered adult patients (73 trials and 17,067 patients) or pediatric patients (15 trials and 1,349 patients). The corticosteroids treatments included dexamethasone, betamethasone, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, and prednisolone, with a broad range of total doses (1–900 mg/kg hydrocortisone equivalent). Table 1 shows the characteristics of the included studies, Table 2 shows the GRADE summary of the findings and Table 3 summarizes the impact of corticosteroids on adults and pediatric.

Figure 1

Figure 1

PRISMA flow diagram.

Table 1

CountryPopulation 0000 size (n)Patient populationAge groupStudy designBlindingFollow-upSteroidHydrocortisone equivalent dose (mg/kg)Time of administrationQualitya
Abbaszadeh et al. (2012) (24)Iran185CABGAdultsRCTY3 daysDexamethasone4.6Post induction and surgeryHigh (7)
Abd El-Hakeem et al. (2003a) (25)Egypt46ValveAdultsRCTYICU stayDexamethasone38Pre CPBHigh (7)
Abd El-Hakeem et al. (2003b) (25)Egypt20ValveAdultsRCTYICU stayDexamethasone38Pre CPBHigh (7)
Al-Shawabkeh et al. (2016) (26)Jordan340CABG or valveAdultsRCTY96 hMethylprednisolone and hydrocortisone84Pre CPB and last for 3 daysHigh (7)
Amanullah et al. (2016) (27)Pakistan129Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone80Pre CPB and post surgeryHigh (7)
Andersen et al. (1989) (28)Denmark16CABGAdultsRCTN7 daysMethylprednisolone150Pre CPBLow (1)
Ando et al. (2005) (29)Japan20Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayHydrocortisone17.71Post CPBHigh (6)
Bingol et al. (2005) (30)Turkey40CABGAdultsRCTY3 monthsPrednisolone11Pre induction and post surgeryHigh (6)
Boscoe et al. (1983) (31)UK34CABG or valve or complexAdultsRCTUnclear24 hMethylprednisolone300Pre CPBLow (3)
Bourbon et al. (2004) (32)France36CABGAdultsRCTN24 hMethylprednisolone25/50Pre CPBLow (2)
Brettner et al. (2019) (33)Germany30Cardiac surgeryAdultsRCTY28 daysHydrocortisone1Pre surgeryHigh (4)
Bronicki et al. (2000) (34)US29Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone26.67Pre CPBHigh (6)
Butler et al. (1996) (35)UK18Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone50During initiation of CPBHigh (6)
Cavarocchi et al. (1986) (36)US61CABG or valve or complexAdultsRCTN24 hMethylprednisolone150Pre CPBLow (2)
Celik et al. (2004) (37)Turkey60CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone900Pre surgeryHigh (4)
Chaney et al. (1998/1999) (38, 39)US60CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone300During sternotomy and pre CPBHigh (4)
Chaney et al. (2001) (40)US90CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone300/150During sternotomy and initiation of CPBHigh (4)
Checchia et al. (2003) (41)US28Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone26.67Pre CPBHigh (6)
Codd et al. (1977) (42)US150CABGAdultsRCTUnclear5 daysMethylprednisolone143Pre CPBLow (3)
Coetzer et al. (1996) (43)South Africa295Cardiac surgeryAdultsRCTUnclear30 daysMethylprednisolone150Pre CPBHigh (5)
Danielson et al. (2018) (44)Sweden30CABG or valveAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone75Post inductionHigh (5)
Demir et al. (2009) (45)Turkey30CABGAdultsRCTUnclearHospital stayMethylprednisolone143Pre CPBLow (3)
Demir et al. (2015) (46)Turkey40CABGAdultsRCTYUnclearMethylprednisolone71Pre CPBLow (3)
Dieleman et al. (2012) (13)Netherlands4494CABG or valve or complexAdultsRCTY12 monthsDexamethasone27Pre CPBHigh (7)
El Azab et al. (2002) (47)Netherlands18CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone38Pre surgeryHigh (5)
Enc et al. (2006) (48)Turkey40CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone125Pre CPBHigh (6)
Engelman et al. (1995) (49)US19CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone and dexamethasone78Pre CPB and post surgeryHigh (4)
Fecht et al. (1978) (50)US50CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone286Pre CPBHigh (4)
Ferries et al. (1984/1987) (51)US80CABG or valve or complexAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone150Pre CPBHigh (5)
Fillinger et al. (2002) (52)US50CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone81Pre incision and post surgeryHigh (7)
Giomarelli et al. (2003) (53)Italy20CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolon116Pre surgery and post CPBHigh (7)
Gomez et al. (2018) (54)Spain104CABG or valveAdultsRCTYUnclearMethylprednisolone and dexamethasone40Post induction and surgeryHigh (4)
Graham et al. (2019) (55)US176Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTY90 daysMethylprednisolone150Post inductionHigh (7)
Halonen et al. (2007) (56)Finland241CABG or valveAdultsRCTYICU stayHydrocortisone14Pre surgeryHigh (7)
Halvorsen et al. (2003) (57)US300CABGAdultsRCTYICU stayDexamethasone3Post inductionHigh (6)
Hao et al. (2019) (58)China36ValveAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone36During initiation of CPBLow (3)
Harig et al. (1999/2001) (59, 60)Germany40CABGAdultsRCTN30 daysPrednisolone29Pre induction and post surgeryLow (2)
Heying et al. (2012) (61)Germany20Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone26.67Pre CPBHigh (6)
Jansen et al. (1991) (62)Netherlands25CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone27Pre CPBHigh (4)
Keski-Nisula et al. (2013) (15)Finland40Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone150Post inductionHigh (6)
Keski-Nisula et al. (2015) (63)Finland45Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone150During induction and initiation of CPBHigh (6)
Keski-Nisula et al. (2020) (64)Finland29Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone150During inductionHigh (6)
Kilger Schelling et al. (2003/2004) (65, 66)Germany91CABG or valveAdultsRCTN6 monthsHydrocortisone8Pre induction and last for 3 daysLow (3)
Kilickan et al. (2008) (67)Turkey60CABGAdultsRCTNHospital stayMethylprednisolone75Pre inductionLow (3)
Liakopoulos et al. (2007) (68)Germany78CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone75Pre CPBHigh (4)
Lindberg et al. (2003) (69)Sweden40Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone26.67During surgeryHigh (6)
Loef et al. (2004) (4)Netherlands20CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone40Pre induction and post surgeryHigh (4)
Lomivorotov et al. (2013) (70)Russia50CABGAdultsRCTY24 hMethylprednisolone100Post inductionHigh (4)
Lomivorotov et al. (2020) (19)Russia394Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTY30 daysDexamethasone26.67Post inductionHigh (7)
Mardani et al. (2012) (71)Iran110CABG or valveAdultsRCTUnclearUnclearDexamethasone30Pre and post surgeryLow (3)
Mayumi et al. (1997) (12)Japan24ValveAdultsRCTY7 daysMethylprednisolone200Pre and post CPBHigh (4)
McBride et al. (2004) (72)Ireland35CABGAdultsRCTN72 hMethylprednisolone150Pre inductionLow (1)
Morariu et al. (2005) (73)Netherlands20CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone40Pre induction and post surgeryHigh (5)
Morton et al. (1976) (74)US95CABGAdultsRCTY30 daysMethylprednisolone150Pre inductionHigh (6)
Mott et al. (2001) (75)US246Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTY30 daysMethylprednisolone25Pre incision and post surgeryHigh (7)
Murphy et al. (2011) (76)US109CABG or valveAdultsRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone6During induction and initiation of CPBHigh (7)
Niazi et al. (1979) (77)US90CABGAdultsRCTY9 daysMethylprednisolone or dexamethasone150/160During sternotomyHigh (4)
Oliver et al. (2004) (78)US125CABG or valveAdultsRCTYICU stayMethylprednisolone78Pre induction and post surgeryHigh (4)
Prasongsukarn et al. (2005) (79)Canada86CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone and dexamethasone78Pre induction and post surgeryHigh (7)
Rao et al. (1977) (80)US150CABGAdultsRCTUnclearHospital stayMethylprednisolone71Pre CPBLow (3)
Rubens et al. (2005) (81)Canada68CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone71Pre CPBHigh (7)
Rumalla et al. (2001) (82)US13CABGAdultsRCTN6 monthsMethylprednisolone71During inductionLow (1)
Sano et al. (2003) (83)Japan28CABG or valveAdultsRCTN7 daysHydrocortisone100Pre and post CPBLow (3)
Sano et al. (2006) (84)Japan60CABG or valveAdultsRCTYHospital stayHydrocortisone100Pre and post CPBLow (3)
Schurr et al. (2001) (85)Switzerland50CABGAdultsRCTNHospital stayMethylprednisolone50Pre surgeryLow (3)
Sobieski et al. (2008) (86)US28CABGAdultsRCTY72 hDexamethasone38Pre CPBHigh (4)
Starobin et al. (2007) (87)Israel60CABGAdultsRCTN2 weeksBetamethasone3Pre surgeryLow (2)
Suominen Jahnukainen et al. (2017/2018) (88, 89)Finland40Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone and hydrocortisone25.6Post induction and last for 5 daysHigh (7)
Taleska et al. (2020) (90)Slovenia76CABG or valve or complexAdultsRCTY30 daysMethylprednisolone71During CPBHigh (7)
Tassani et al. (1999) (91)Germany52CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone71Pre CPBHigh (7)
Teoh et al. (1995) (92)Canada25CABGAdultsRCTNHospital stayMethylprednisolone18Pre inductionLow (3)
Toft et al. (1997) (93)Denmark16Cardiac surgeryAdultsRCTNHospital stayMethylprednisolone150During inductionLow (3)
Toledo-Pereyra et al. (1980) (94)US95Cardiac surgeryChildrenRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone150Pre CPBLow (3)
Turkoz et al. (2001) (95)Turkey30CABGAdultsRCTN24 hMethylprednisolone150Pre CPBLow (3)
Vallejo et al. (1977) (96)Spain100CABGAdultsRCTNHospital stayMethylprednisolone150Pre CPBLow (2)
Volk et al. (2001) (97)Germany39CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone75Pre CPBHigh (4)
Volk et al. (2003) (98)Germany36CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone75Pre CPBHigh (4)
Von Spiegel et al. (2001/2002) (99, 100)Germany20CABGAdultsRCTY24 hDexamethasone27Post inductionHigh (5)
Vukovic et al. (2011) (101)Serbia57CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone50Post inductionHigh (4)
Wan et al. (1999) (102)Belgium20CABG or valveAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone150During inductionHigh (4)
Weis et al. (2006) (103)Switzerland36High risk CPBAdultsRCTYHospital stayHydrocortisone8Pre induction and last for 3 daysHigh (5)
Weis et al. (2009) (104)Germany36High risk CPBAdultsRCTY28 daysHydrocortisone8Pre induction and last for 2 daysHigh (6)
Whitlock et al. (2006) (14)Canada60CABG or valve or complexAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone21During induction and initiation of CPBHigh (4)
Whitlock et al. (2015) (105)Canada7507CABG or valve or complexAdultsRCTY6 monthsMethylprednisolone36During induction and initiation of CPBHigh (7)
Yared et al. (1998/2000) (106, 107)US236CABG or valveAdultsRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone16Post inductionLow (3)
Yared et al. (2007) (108)US71CABG or valveAdultsRCTYHospital stayDexamethasone16Post inductionHigh (4)
Yasser et al. (2009) (109)Egypt100CABGAdultsRCTUnclearHospital stayDexamethasone40During induction and surgeryLow (3)
Yilmaz et al. (1999) (110)Turkey20CABGAdultsRCTYHospital stayMethylprednisolone5During CPBHigh (5)

Characteristics of the included studies.

CABG, coronary artery bypass grafting. RCT, randomized controlled trial. CPB, cardiopulmonary bypass.

aJadad score (18).

Table 2

Corticosteroids compared to placebo or saline for cardiopulmonary bypass
Patient or population: cardiopulmonary bypass
Intervention: corticosteroids
Comparison: placebo or saline
OutcomesNo. of participants
(studies)
Anticipated absolute effectsa (95% CI)
Relative effect
(95% CI)
Test for overall effect (p)Certainty of the evidence
(GRADE)
Risk with placebo or salineRisk with corticosteroids
Adult
Mortality15780
(47 RCTs)
32 per 1,00028 per 1,000
(23 to 33)
OR 0.86
(0.71 to 1.03)
1.66 (0.10)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone1312
(10 RCTs)
20 per 1,00012 per 1,000
(5 to 26)
OR 0.57
(0.25 to 1.31)
1.32 (0.19)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone12317
(11 RCTs)
34 per 1,00030 per 1,000
(25 to 37)
OR 0.87
(0.71 to 1.07)
1.32 (0.19)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone1025
(11 RCTs)
14 per 1,00014 per 1,000
(5 to 36)
OR 0.99
(0.37 to 2.69)
0.01 (0.99)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone1126
(15 RCTs)
40 per 1,00035 per 1,000
(19 to 61)
OR 0.85
(0.47 to 1.55)
0.53 (0.60)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
New atrial fibrillation14745
(33 RCTs)
284 per 1,000213 per 1,000
(185 to 246)
OR 0.68
(0.57 to 0.82)
4.15 (<0.0001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone1279
(10 RCTs)
371 per 1,000255 per 1,000
(206 to 309)
OR 0.58
(0.44 to 0.76)
3.90 (<0.0001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone12394
(8 RCTs)
272 per 1,000258 per 1,000
(243 to 274)
OR 0.93
(0.86 to 1.01)
1.83 (0.07)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone775
(9 RCTs)
351 per 1,000286 per 1,000
(167 to 443)
OR 0.74
(0.37 to 1.47)
0.87 (0.39)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone297
(6 RCTs)
264 per 1,000225 per 1,000
(144 to 331)
OR 0.81
(0.47 to 1.38)
0.78 (0.43)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Myocardial infarction14669
(25 RCTs)
65 per 1,00077 per 1,000
(68 to 86)
OR 1.19
(1.05 to 1.35)
2.66 (0.008)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone1115
(6 RCTs)
20 per 1,00019 per 1,000
(9 to 42)
OR 0.96
(0.43 to 2.17)
0.09 (0.93)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone12242
(5 RCTs)
72 per 1,00086 per 1,000
(76 to 97)
OR 1.21
(1.06 to 1.38)
2.79 (0.005)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone780
(6 RCTs)
33 per 1,00028 per 1,000
(13 to 61)
OR 0.85
(0.38 to 1.88)
0.41 (0.68)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone532
(8 RCTs)
49 per 1,00056 per 1,000
(28 to 111)
OR 1.15
(0.55 to 2.43)
0.37 (0.71)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Pulmonary complications8932
(17 RCTs)
92 per 1,00085 per 1,000
(73 to 96)
OR 0.91
(0.78 to 1.05)
1.30 (0.20)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone822
(8 RCTs)
42 per 1,00041 per 1,000
(21 to 78)
OR 0.97
(0.48 to 1.93)
0.10 (0.92)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone7567
(2 RCTs)
99 per 1,00091 per 1,000
(79 to 105)
OR 0.91
(0.78 to 1.06)
1.22 (0.22)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone433
(5 RCTs)
65 per 1,00056 per 1,000
(27 to 115)
OR 0.86
(0.40 to 1.88)
0.37 (0.71)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone110
(2 RCTs)
73 per 1,00056 per 1,000
(14 to 203)
OR 0.76
(0.18 to 3.24)
0.37 (0.71)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Kidney injury12826
(13 RCTs)
34 per 1,00028 per 1,000
(23 to 34)
OR 0.83
(0.68 to 1.01)
1.88 (0.06)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone520
(6 RCTs)
43 per 1,00017 per 1,000
(6 to 48)
OR 0.38
(0.13 to 1.11)
1.77 (0.08)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone12142
(4 RCTs)
33 per 1,00028 per 1,000
(23 to 34)
OR 0.84
(0.68 to 1.03)
1.66 (0.10)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone164
(2 RCTs)
49 per 1,00072 per 1,000
(20 to 225)
OR 1.49
(0.40 to 5.58)
0.59 (0.55)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone(1 RCT)0 per 1,0000 per 1,000
(0 to 0)
not estimable⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Postoperative infection14880
(37 RCTs)
81 per 1,00077 per 1,000
(69 to 86)
OR 0.95
(0.84 to 1.07)
0.84 (0.40)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone1299
(11 RCTs)
67 per 1,00057 per 1,000
(36 to 87)
OR 0.84
(0.52 to 1.33)
0.75 (0.45)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone12295
(7 RCTs)
86 per 1,00082 per 1,000
(73 to 93)
OR 0.95
(0.84 to 1.08)
0.76 (0.45)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone612
(10 RCTs)
56 per 1,00059 per 1,000
(31 to 109)
OR 1.06
(0.54 to 2.09)
0.17 (0.87)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone674
(9 RCTs)
39 per 1,00041 per 1,000
(20 to 83)
OR 1.07
(0.51 to 2.26)
0.18 (0.86)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Neurological complications (strok)13439
(18 RCTs)
21 per 1,00018 per 1,000
(14 to 22)
OR 0.85
(0.66 to 1.08)
1.33 (0.18)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone626
(4 RCTs)
19 per 1,00016 per 1,000
(5 to 53)
OR 0.85
(0.25 to 2.82)
0.27 (0.79)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone12142
(4 RCTs)
19 per 1,00017 per 1,000
(13 to 22)
OR 0.89
(0.68 to 1.16)
0.86 (0.39)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone454
(6 RCTs)
52 per 1,00026 per 1,000
(10 to 64)
OR 0.48
(0.18 to 1.24)
1.52 (0.13)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone217
(4 RCTs)
56 per 1,00047 per 1,000
(15 to 135)
OR 0.83
(0.26 to 2.66)
0.31 (0.76)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Gastro-intestinal bleeding12535
(6 RCTs)
10 per 1,00012 per 1,000
(9 to 17)
OR 1.22
(0.88 to 1.69)
1.17 (0.24)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Mechanical ventilation time (hours)7005
(42 RCTs)
The mean mechanical ventilation time (hours) was 8.39MD 0.48 lower
(1.04 lower to 0.09 higher)
1.66 (0.10)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone1119
(11 RCTs)
The mean mechanical ventilation time (hours) was 9.82MD 2.74 lower
(4.14 lower to 1.33 lower)
3.82 (0.0001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone4946
(12 RCTs)
The mean mechanical ventilation time (hours) was 7.44MD 0.53 lower
(1.39 lower to 0.34 higher)
1.20 (0.23)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone639
(12 RCTs)
The mean mechanical ventilation time (hours) was 12.15MD 0.94 lower
(2.44 lower to 0.56 higher)
1.23 (0.22)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone301
(7 RCTs)
The mean mechanical ventilation time (hours) was 10.91MD 3.82 higher
(0.76 higher to 6.87 higher)
2.45 (0.01)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Hyperglycemia requiring insulin infusion8316
(14 RCTs)
113 per 1,000196 per 1,000
(131 to 284)
OR 1.91
(1.18 to 3.11)
2.61 (0.009)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone421
(4 RCTs)
233 per 1,000343 per 1,000
(201 to 518)
OR 1.72
(0.83 to 3.55)
1.46 (0.15)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone7547
(3 RCTs)
103 per 1,000335 per 1,000
(64 to 786)
OR 4.41
(0.60 to 32.10)
1.46 (0.14)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone120
(2 RCTs)
417 per 1,000895 per 1,000
(502 to 986)
OR 11.88 (1.41 to 100.00)2.28 (0.02)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone228
(5 RCTs)
88 per 1,000129 per 1,000
(59 to 258)
OR 1.53
(0.65 to 3.59)
0.98 (0.33)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Delirium12181
(6 RCTs)
92 per 1,00083 per 1,000
(74 to 93)
OR 0.89
(0.79 to 1.01)
1.78 (0.08)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 LOS in ICU (days)14068
(42 RCTs)
The mean LOS ICU (days) was 1.69MD 0.27 lower
(0.34 lower to 0.19 lower)
6.66 (<0.00001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone641
(9 RCTs)
The mean LOS ICU (days) was 2.55MD 1.48 lower
(2.73 lower to 0.22 lower)
2.31 (0.02)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone12454
(13 RCTs)
The mean LOS ICU (days) was 1.60MD 0.15 lower
(0.23 lower to 0.07 lower)
3.83 (0.0001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone743
(15 RCTs)
The mean LOS ICU (days) was 1.76MD 0.19 lower
(0.42 lower to 0.03 higher)
1.67 (0.10)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone230
(5 RCTs)
The mean LOS ICU (days) was 3.93MD 0.08 lower
(0.31 lower to 0.15 higher)
0.69 (0.49)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
LOS in hospital (days)13806
(32 RCTs)
The mean LOS hospital (days) was 9.07MD 0.66 lower
(1.03 lower to 0.3 lower)
3.59 (0.0003)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone395
(7 RCTs)
The mean LOS hospital (days) was 11.39MD 2.29 lower
(4.51 lower to 0.07 lower)
2.02 (0.04)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone12306
(7 RCTs)
The mean LOS hospital (days) was 9.09MD 0.16 lower
(0.72 lower to 0.41 higher)
0.54 (0.59)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone490
(10 RCTs)
The mean LOS hospital (days) was 9.24MD 0.19 higher
(0.52 lower to 0.9 higher)
0.54 (0.59)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone615
(8 RCTs)
The mean LOS hospital (days) was 7.27MD 0.91 lower
(1.63 lower to 0.2 lower)
2.49 (0.01)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Duration of CPB (minutes)15457
(56 RCTs)
The mean duration of CPB (minutes) was 111.02MD 0.94 higher
(0.69 lower to 2.56 higher)
1.13 (0.26)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone1445
(14 RCTs)
The mean duration of CPB (minutes) was 86.96MD 0.47 higher
(1.84 lower to 2.77 higher)
0.40 (0.69)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone12432
(13 RCTs)
The mean duration of CPB (minutes) was 114.87MD 0.89 higher
(3.36 lower to 5.15 higher)
0.41 (0.68)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone599
(12 RCTs)
The mean duration of CPB (minutes) was 96.62MD 2.97 higher
(1.38 lower to 7.31 higher)
1.34 (0.18)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone981
(17 RCTs)
The mean duration of CPB (minutes) was 105.74MD 0.11 lower
(2.79 lower to 2.58 higher)
0.08 (0.94)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Duration of procedure (minutes)5476
(16 RCTs)
The mean duration of procedure (minutes) was 238.33MD 11.93 higher
(2.28 higher to 21.58 higher)
2.42 (0.02)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone538
(3 RCTs)
The mean duration of procedure (minutes) was 199.30MD 3.73 higher
(1.72 lower to 9.19 higher)
1.34 (0.18)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone4519
(3 RCTs)
The mean duration of procedure (minutes) was 241.88MD 9.64 higher
(8.92 lower to 28.2 higher)
1.02 (0.31)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone219
(4 RCTs)
The mean duration of procedure (minutes) was 214.37MD 11.78 higher
(10.18 lower to 33.74 higher)
1.05 (0.29)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone200
(6 RCTs)
The mean duration of procedure (minutes) was 289.88MD 14.03 higher
(10.19 lower to 38.25 higher)
1.14 (0.26)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Postoperative bleeding (mL)1084
(13 RCTs)
The mean postoperative bleeding (mL) was 763.32MD 99.73 lower
(169.45 lower to 30 lower)
2.80 (0.005)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone569
(3 RCTs)
The mean postoperative bleeding (mL) was 666.99MD 20.83 lower
(56.43 lower to 14.78 higher)
1.15 (0.25)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone100
(3 RCTs)
The mean postoperative bleeding (mL) was 847.00MD 66.96 lower
(192.33 lower to 58.41 higher)
1.05 (0.30)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone295
(4 RCTs)
The mean postoperative bleeding (mL) was 919.53MD 194.85 lower
(302.08 lower to 87.61 lower)
3.56 (0.0004)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone120
(3 RCTs)
The mean postoperative bleeding (mL) was 758.50MD 83.82 lower
(130.62 lower to 37.03 lower)
3.51 (0.0004)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Vaso-active medication use1405
(20 RCTs)
272 per 1,000274 per 1,000
(205 to 355)
OR 1.01
(0.69 to 1.47)
0.03 (0.98)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone639
(4 RCTs)
177 per 1,000164 per 1,000
(111 to 238)
OR 0.91
(0.58 to 1.45)
0.38 (0.70)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone183
(6 RCTs)
462 per 1,000269 per 1,000
(93 to 564)
OR 0.43
(0.12 to 1.51)
1.32 (0.19)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone80
(2 RCTs)
293 per 1,000303 per 1,000
(87 to 666)
OR 1.05
(0.23 to 4.81)
0.06 (0.95)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >100 mg/kg hydrocortisone503
(8 RCTs)
320 per 1,000414 per 1,000
(311 to 525)
OR 1.50
(0.96 to 2.35)
1.78 (0.08)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
IL-6 concentrations at 24 h (pg/mL)506
(14 RCTs)
The mean IL-6 concentrations at 24 h (pg/mL) was 310.89MD 139.77 lower
(161.56 lower to 117.97 lower)
12.57 (<0.00001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
CRP concentrations at 24 h (µg/mL)631
(4 RCTs)
The mean CRP concentrations at 24 h (µg/mL) was 139.04MD 8.98 lower
(20.41 lower to 2.45 higher)
1.54 (0.12)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
TNF-α concentrations at 24 h (pg/mL)199
(6 RCTs)
The mean tNF-α concentrations at 24 h (pg/mL) was 16.73MD 4.23 lower
(6.85 lower to 1.6 lower)
3.16 (0.002)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
IL-8 concentrations at 24 h (pg/mL)199
(6 RCTs)
The mean IL-8 concentrations at 24 h (pg/mL) was 15.01MD 5.81 lower
(10.96 lower to 0.66 lower)
2.21 (0.03)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
IL-10 concentrations at 24 h (pg/mL)109
(3 RCTs)
The mean IL-10 concentrations at 24 h (pg/mL) was 14.34MD 6.13 higher
(2.93 lower to 15.19 higher)
1.33 (0.19)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Re-intubation258
(5 RCTs)
102 per 1,00038 per 1,000
(14 to 97)
OR 0.35
(0.13 to 0.95)
2.06 (0.04)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Re-thoracotomy935
(9 RCTs)
27 per 1,00032 per 1,000
(16 to 64)
OR 1.17
(0.57 to 2.40)
0.44 (0.66)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Pediatric
 Mortality931
(12 RCTs)
48 per 1,00028 per 1,000
(15 to 53)
OR 0.57
(0.30 to 1.11)
1.64 (0.10)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone531
(6 RCTs)
22 per 1,00016 per 1,000
(5 to 48)
OR 0.71
(0.23 to 2.19)
0.59 (0.55)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >50 mg/kg hydrocortisone400
(6 RCTs)
82 per 1,00044 per 1,000
(20 to 95)
OR 0.51
(0.23 to 1.17)
1.59 (0.11)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Kidney injury659
(5 RCTs)
236 per 1,000127 per 1,000
(64 to 238)
OR 0.47
(0.22 to 1.01)
1.94 (0.05)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone483
(4 RCTs)
127 per 1,00040 per 1,000
(13 to 123)
OR 0.29
(0.09 to 0.96)
2.02 (0.04)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >50 mg/kg hydrocortisone176
(1 RCT)
516 per 1,000457 per 1,000
(319 to 604)
OR 0.79
(0.44 to 1.43)
0.78 (0.44)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
ECMO570
(2 RCTs)
47 per 1,00019 per 1,000
(6 to 52)
OR 0.38
(0.13 to 1.10)
1.79 (0.07)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Postoperative infection304
(5 RCTs)
70 per 1,00048 per 1,000
(18 to 122)
OR 0.68
(0.25 to 1.85)
0.75 (0.45)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Hyperglycemia requiring insulin infusion256
(3 RCTs)
67 per 1,000208 per 1,000
(99 to 387)
OR 3.68
(1.53 to 8.84)
2.91 (0.004)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Mechanical ventilation time (hours)505
(8 RCTs)
The mean mechanical ventilation time (hours) was 80.35MD 7.37 lower
(15.53 lower to 0.79 higher)
1.77 (0.08)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone100
(3 RCTs)
The mean mechanical ventilation time (hours) was 103.04MD 28.23 lower
(73.47 lower to 17.01 higher)
1.22 (0.22)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >50 mg/kg hydrocortisone405
(5 RCTs)
The mean mechanical ventilation time (hours) was 74.94MD 7.47 lower
(19.89 lower to 4.95 higher)
1.18 (0.24)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Duration of CPB (minutes)875
(14 RCTs)
The mean duration of CPB (minutes) was 132.73MD 11.54 lower
(14.32 lower to 8.75 lower)
8.12 (<0.00001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone441
(8 RCTs)
The mean duration of CPB (minutes) was 129.29MD 12.06 lower
(15.19 lower to 8.94 lower)
7.56 (<0.00001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >50 mg/kg hydrocortisone434
(6 RCTs)
The mean duration of CPB (minutes) was 136.04MD 9.52 lower
(15.63 lower to 3.41 lower)
3.05 (0.02)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
LOS ICU (days)405
(8 RCTs)
The mean LOS ICU (days) was 8.08MD 0
(0.12 lower to 0.11 higher)
0.05 (0.96)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone100
(3 RCTs)
The mean LOS ICU (days) was 7.52MD 1.06 lower
(3.08 lower to 0.96 higher)
1.03 (0.30)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >50 mg/kg hydrocortisone305
(5 RCTs)
The mean LOS ICU (days) was 8.25MD 0.03 higher
(0.34 lower to 0.39 higher)
0.14 (0.89)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Inotropic score454
(7 RCTs)
The mean inotropic score was 12.88MD 0.09 lower
(0.39 lower to 0.22 higher)
0.56 (0.58)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Highest/24 h temperature (°C)216
(7 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h temperature (°C) was 37.63MD 0.07 lower
(0.43 lower to 0.29 higher)
0.40 (0.69)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone87
(3 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h temperature (°C) was 37.38MD 0.28 higher
(0.08 lower to 0.63 higher)
1.54 (0.12)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >50 mg/kg hydrocortisone129
(4 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h temperature (°C) was 37.80MD 0.26 lower
(0.61 lower to 0.1 higher)
1.42 (0.16)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Highest/24 h glucose concentrations (mg/dl)236
(3 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h glucose concentrations (mg/dl) was 138.50MD 17.94 higher
(0.17 lower to 36.06 higher)
1.94 (0.05)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Highest/24 h lactate concentrations (mmol/l)305
(5 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h lactate concentrations (mmol/l) was 3.04MD 0.06 lower
(0.17 lower to 0.05 higher)
1.07 (0.28)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Highest/24 h CRP concentrations (µg/mL)
(≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone)
98
(3 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h CRP concentrations (µg/mL) was 50.58MD 20.12 lower
(28.68 lower to 11.55 lower)
4.60 (<0.00001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Highest/24 h IL-6 concentrations (pg/mL)316
(8 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h IL-6 concentrations (pg/mL) was 211.77MD 108.6 lower
(206.02 lower to 11.18 lower)
2.18 (0.03)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone98
(4 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h IL-6 concentrations (pg/mL) was 386.84MD 102.67 lower
(185.42 lower to 19.93 lower)
2.43 (0.02)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >50 mg/kg hydrocortisone218
(4 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h IL-6 concentrations (pg/mL) was 133.07MD 85.72 lower
(308.08 lower to 136.64 higher)
0.76 (0.45)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
Highest/24 h IL-10 concentrations (pg/mL)258
(5 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h IL-10 concentrations (pg/mL) was 298.04MD 227.35 higher
(169.67 higher to 285.03 higher)
7.73 (<0.00001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 ≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone40
(1 RCT)
The mean highest/24 h IL-10 concentrations (pg/mL) was 48.1MD 321.1 higher
(99.29 higher to 542.91 higher)
2.84 (0.005)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH
 >50 mg/kg hydrocortisone218
(4 RCTs)
The mean highest/24 h IL-10 concentrations (pg/mL) was 343.91MD 220.55 higher
(160.82 higher to 280.28 higher)
7.24 (<0.00001)⊕⊕⊕⊕
HIGH

GRADE summary of findings.

CI, Confidence interval; OR, odds ratio; MD, mean difference.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence

High certainty:We are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect.

Moderate certainty:We are moderately confident in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different.

Low certainty:Our confidence in the effect estimate is limited: The true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect.

Very low certainty:We have very little confidence in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect.

a

The risk in the intervention group(and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).

Table 3

GroupOutcomeORCIpI2Impact
AdultMyocardial infarction1.191.05–1.350.0080%Increased
Insulin infusion1.911.18–3.110.00946%Increased
Mortality0.860.71–1.030.10%Unaffected
Postoperative atrial fibrillation0.680.57–0.82<0.000148%Reduced
ICU stay−0.27−0.34, −0.19<0.0000193%Reduced
Hospital stay–0.66−1.03, −0.300.000395%Reduced
Postoperative bleeding−99.73−169.45, −30.000.00584%Reduced
Re-intubation0.350.13–0.950.046%Reduced
IL-6−139.77−161.56, −117.97<0.00199%Reduced
TNF-α−4.23−6.85, −1.600.00288%Reduced
IL-8−5.81−10.96, −0.660.00397%Reduced
Kidney injury0.830.68–1.010.060%Unaffected
Pulmonary complications0.910.78–1.050.20%Unaffected
Stroke0.850.66–1.080.180%Unaffected
Gastrointestinal bleeding1.220.88–1.690.240%Unaffected
Postoperative infection0.950.84–1.070.40%Unaffected
Delirium0.890.79–1.010.0845%Unaffected
Mechanical ventilation time−0.48−1.04, 0.090.194%Unaffected
Adult
≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone
Myocardial infarction0.960.43–2.170.930%Unaffected
Insulin infusion1.720.83–3.550.1536%Unaffected
Mortality0.570.25–1.310.190%Unaffected
Postoperative atrial fibrillation0.580.44–0.76<0.000113%Reduced
ICU stay−1.48−2.73,−0.22<0.0000196%Reduced
Hospital stay−2.29−4.51,−0.07<0.0000196%Reduced
Mechanical ventilation time−2.74−4.14,−1.330.000192%Reduced
Postoperative bleeding−20.83−56.43,14.780.250%Unaffected
Kidney injury0.380.13–1.110.080%Unaffected
Pulmonary complications0.970.48–1.930.920%Unaffected
Stroke0.850.25–2.820.790%Unaffected
Postoperative infection0.840.52–1.330.450%Unaffected
PediatricReduced CRP−20.12−28.68, −11.55<0.00142%Reduced
Reduced IL-6−108.60−206.02, −11.180.0395%Reduced
Increased IL-10227.35169.67–285.03<0.00140%Increased
Decreased CPB time−11.54−14.32, −8.75<0.0015%Reduced
Increased insulin infusion3.681.53–8.840.00448%Increased
mortality0.570.30–1.110.10%Unaffected
kidney injury0.470.22–1.010.0546%Unaffected
ECMO use0.380.13–1.100.070%Unaffected
postoperative infection0.680.25–1.850.450%Unaffected
mechanical ventilation time−7.37−15.53, 0.790.0883%Unaffected
ICU length of stay−0.00−0.12, 0.110.960%Unaffected
Pediatric
≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone
Reduced IL-6−102.67−185.42,−19.930.0278%Reduced
Decreased CPB time−12.06−15.19,−8.94<0.0013%Reduced
kidney injury0.290.09–0.960.0449%Reduced
mortality0.710.23–2.190.550%Unaffected
mechanical ventilation time−28.23−73.47,17.010.2265%Unaffected
ICU length of stay−1.06−3.08,0.960.351%Unaffected

Summary of corticosteroids impact on adults and pediatric.

During adult cardiac surgery with CPB, corticosteroids prophylaxis was associated with increased risks of myocardial infarction (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05–1.35; p = 0.008, I2 = 0%) (Figure 2) and insulin infusion (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.18–3.11; p = 0.009, I2 = 46%) (Supplementary Figure S1), with no obvious improvement in mortality (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.71–1.03; p = 0.10, I2 = 0%) (Figure 3).

Figure 2

Figure 2

Impact of corticosteroids on myocardial infarction (adult).

Figure 3

Figure 3

Impact of corticosteroids on mortality (adult).

However, corticosteroids prophylaxis reduced the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.57–0.82; p < 0.0001, I2 = 48%) (Figure 4), shortened the ICU stay (MD: −0.27 days, 95% CI: −0.34, −0.19 days; p < 0.001, I2 = 93%), and shortened the hospital stay (MD: −0.66 days, 95% CI: −1.03, −0.30 days; p = 0.0003, I2 = 95%) (Supplementary Figures S2, S3). In addition, corticosteroids prophylaxis was associated with reduced postoperative bleeding and a reduced risk of re-intubation (Table 3 and Supplementary Figures S4, S5).

Figure 4

Figure 4

Impact of corticosteroids on postoperative new atrial fibrillation (adult).

Corticosteroids prophylaxis also reduced the blood concentrations of some inflammatory markers in adult patients, which included IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8 (Table 3 and Supplementary Figures S6–S8). Among children, corticosteroids prophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower peak CRP concentration, a significantly lower IL-6 concentration, and a significantly higher IL-10 concentration (Table 3 and Supplementary Figures S9–S11).

Relative to the placebo group, corticosteroids prophylaxis was not associated with significant improvements in terms of kidney injury, pulmonary complications, stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, postoperative infection or mechanical ventilation time (Table 3 and Figure 5, Supplementary Figures S12–S17).

Figure 5

Figure 5

Impact of corticosteroids on mechanical ventilation time (hours) (adult).

Figure 6

Figure 6

Highlight of the impact of low-dose corticosteroids.

Subgroup analysis that the benefits were largely attributable to the prophylactic use of low-dose corticosteroids (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone), and these benefits were not observed at higher corticosteroids doses (Table 2). Low-dose corticosteroids prophylaxis was associated with a significantly reduced mechanical ventilation time (MD: −2.74 h, 95% CI: −4.14, −1.33 h; p = 0.0001, I2 = 92%) (Figure 5), without increased risks of myocardial infarction (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.43–2.17; p = 0.93, I2 = 0%) (Figure 2) or insulin infusion (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 0.83–3.55; p = 0.15, I2 = 36%) (Supplementary Figure S7). Pooled analysis with meta-regression revealed that corticosteroids dose was significantly related to the variation in the mechanical ventilation time (exp: 1.004, 95% CI: 1.002–1.006; p < 0.0001), but not the variation in the other clinical outcomes (Supplementary Figures S18–S26). Funnel plots failed to reveal evidence of publication bias regarding mortality, myocardial infarction, pulmonary complications, kidney injury, postoperative infection, and neurological complications (stroke) (Supplementary Figures S27–S32). However, the funnel plots suggested that there might be some publication bias regarding new atrial fibrillation, mechanical ventilation time, and hyperglycemia requiring insulin infusion (Supplementary Figures S33–S35). Thus, we used the trim and fill method to adjust the analysis, which did not significantly alter the findings.

During pediatric cardiac surgery with CPB, corticosteroids prophylaxis was associated with a decreased CPB time (MD: −11.54 min, 95% CI: −14.32, −8.75 min; p < 0.001, I2 = 5%) and an increased insulin infusion (OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.53–8.84; p = 0.004, I2 = 48%), but did not significantly influence mortality, kidney injury, ECMO use, postoperative infection, mechanical ventilation time, and ICU length of stay [LOS] (Tables 2, 3 and Supplementary Figures S36–S43). Relative to placebo and higher dose corticosteroids (>50 mg/kg hydrocortisone), corticosteroids prophylaxis (≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone) significantly reduced the risk of kidney injury (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–0.96; p = 0.04, I2 = 49%) (Table 2 and Supplementary Figure S39). Meta-regression revealed that corticosteroids dose was not related to the variations in mortality (exp: 0.998, 95% CI: 0.981–1.015; p = 0.734) or the duration of CPB (exp: 1.000, 95% CI: 0.993–1.008; p = 0.89) (Supplementary Figures S44, S45). The funnel plots failed to reveal evidence of publication bias regarding mortality, kidney injury, postoperative infection, and ICU LOS (Supplementary Figures S46–S49). However, the funnel plots suggested that there might be some publication bias regarding mechanical ventilation time and CPB duration (Supplementary Figures S50–S51). Thus, we used the trim and fill method to adjust the analysis, which did not significantly alter the findings.

Discussion

This meta-analysis revealed that corticosteroids prophylaxis during cardiac surgery with CPB was associated with significantly decreased blood inflammatory factor concentrations of CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. During adult cardiac surgery, corticosteroids prophylaxis reduced the risks of postoperative atrial fibrillation and re-intubation, shortened the ICU and hospital LOSs, and reduced postoperative bleeding, although it was associated with increased risks of myocardial infarction and hyperglycemia requiring insulin infusion. Interestingly, the benefits among adult patients were largely attributable to low-dose corticosteroids use (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone), as the benefits were not observed among patients who received higher corticosteroids doses. In addition, low-dose corticosteroids significantly reduced the mechanical ventilation time without increasing the risks of myocardial infarction and insulin infusion, while high-dose corticosteroids were associated with increased risks of myocardial infarction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. During pediatric cardiac surgery, corticosteroids prophylaxis was associated with a shortened CPB time, an increased risk of insulin infusion, and no substantial changes in terms of mortality, ECMO use, postoperative infection, mechanical ventilation time, and ICU LOS. Moreover, corticosteroids prophylaxis (≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone) significantly reduced the risk of kidney injury in pediatric patients.

The SIRS plays a vital role in the development of complications after cardiac surgery with CPB (1). Corticosteroids can effectively inhibit SIRS and reduce inflammatory factor concentrations, which provides a theoretical basis for prophylactic administration during cardiac surgery with CPB (210). However, several RCTs have indicated that corticosteroids prophylaxis did not provide significant benefits to patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB, and was instead associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and prolonged mechanical ventilation (10, 13, 14, 19). Thus, the adult cardiac surgery guidelines, as well as routine practice for adult and pediatric cardiac surgery with CPB, involve limited or no prophylactic corticosteroids (16). However, corticosteroids exert dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects and clinical side effects (3, 4, 7). Thus, we hypothesized that an appropriate dosage range might effectively inhibit SIRS and provide clinical benefits without major side effects, as the optimal corticosteroids dose would protect cardiomyocytes rather than damage them.

Our results revealed that corticosteroids prophylaxis reduced the blood concentrations of various inflammatory markers after cardiac surgery, including CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. These findings support the prophylactic administration of corticosteroids to prevent SIRS after cardiac surgery with CPB (810). However, we did not detect any significant change in mortality, which is consistent with the results of previous studies (57, 13, 14, 19). This may be related to advanced cardiac surgery management and active treatment of complications in the current era.

The SIRS trial and Ho et al.’s meta-analysis of 50 small RCTs revealed that corticosteroids prophylaxis in adults significantly increased the risks of myocardial infarction and hyperglycemia requiring insulin infusion (6, 14). In this context, high doses of corticosteroids can rapidly and significantly induce insulin resistance, reduce cellular utilization of glucose, and cause hyperglycemia (20). Hyperglycemia downregulates glyoxalase 1 and glyoxalase 2, which inhibits the post-injury repair of cardiomyocytes (21). This may be the main mechanism through which high-dose corticosteroids induce myocardial infarction. We found that corticosteroids (>20 mg/kg hydrocortisone), but not low-dose corticosteroids, increased the risk of myocardial infarction and hyperglycemia requiring insulin infusion in adults. This may be because low-dose corticosteroids inhibit SIRS and protect cardiomyocytes, without substantially impairing glucose utilization. We did not observe a substantial change in this relationship when we re-analyzed data from 18 high-quality RCTs (Jadad score of ≥4, 18/25 trials), which all adopted the general definition of myocardial infarction and used cardiac biomarkers to predict its occurrence. In children, corticosteroids increased the use of insulin but did not significantly influence the risk of myocardial infarction, which may be related to neonatal cardiomyocytes having increased glucose uptake and utilization (22).

The DECS trial (13) and the SIRS trial (14) revealed that corticosteroids prophylaxis did not reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation in adult patients after cardiac surgery. However, meta-analyses by Ho et al. (6) and Ng et al. (7) revealed that corticosteroids prophylaxis could significantly reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation. Ho et al. (6) reported that both low-dose and high-dose corticosteroids could significantly reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation. Ng et al.’s meta-analysis included the DECS and SIRS trials, but did not include a stratified dose analysis (7). Interestingly, we found that only low-dose corticosteroids (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone) were effective for reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation, with no positive effects observed at a slightly higher dose (20–40 mg/kg hydrocortisone), a high dose (40–100 mg/kg hydrocortisone), or an ultra-high dose (>100 mg/kg hydrocortisone). These findings were not noticeably different when we re-analyzed 27 high-quality RCTs (27/33 RCTs), with low heterogeneity and no detectable publication bias. Unfortunately, the relevant molecular mechanisms are not clear, although the SIRS can induce atrial fibrillation (23). Thus, we speculate that low-dose corticosteroids might inhibition SIRS without increasing cardiomyocyte damage, which would reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation. In contrast, high-dose corticosteroids might reduce SIRS but increase cardiomyocyte damage, which would not reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation.

The SIRS can cause systemic multi-organ damage, which often involves kidney damage (57). Prophylactic administration of corticosteroids protects the tissues and organs by inhibiting SIRS and thus reduces complications (810). We failed to identify significant effects of corticosteroids prophylaxis on the risks of pulmonary complications, neurological complications (stroke), gastrointestinal bleeding, and delirium, which might be related to the low incidences of those outcomes. However, prophylactic corticosteroids (≤50 mg/kg hydrocortisone) significantly reduced the risk of kidney injury in pediatric patients, and low-dose corticosteroids (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone) might reduce the risk of kidney injury in adult patients. While corticosteroids suppress the normal immune response and may increase the risk of postoperative infection (7), our results and those from previous studies suggest that corticosteroids prophylaxis did not influence the risk of postoperative infection (6, 13, 14). Ho et al. (6) reported that corticosteroids prophylaxis was closely associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, and we found that low-dose corticosteroids (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone) significantly shortened the mechanical ventilation duration for adult patients, while high doses (>100 mg/kg hydrocortisone) significantly prolonged the mechanical ventilation duration. We also found that low-dose corticosteroids significantly reduced the ICU and hospital LOSs for adult patients, which might be related to accelerated recovery that was caused by suppression of the SIRS and reduced tissue and organ damage. Therefore, corticosteroids may be a cost-effective prophylactic treatment (generally <$5/patient) that can help reduce the burden on patients and hospitals by decreasing the risks of complications and shortening the ICU and hospital LOSs. Furthermore, the lower risk of complications may improve patients’ perioperative quality of life.

Our meta-analysis considered the dose-dependent benefits and risks of prophylactic corticosteroids during adult and pediatric cardiac surgery based on 29 clinical outcomes. Our findings conflict with the lack of support for corticosteroids prophylaxis during cardiac surgery in previous studies (57, 13, 14) and the guidelines for adult cardiac surgery (16). Our results suggest that low-dose corticosteroids (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone) were not associated with a significant reduction in mortality, but might substantially benefit adult patients by inhibiting SIRS and reducing complications. Therefore, we recommend prophylactic administration of low-dose corticosteroids (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone) during adult cardiac surgery. However, the optimal dose range for corticosteroids prophylaxis during pediatric cardiac surgery is unclear, as we only identified a small number of related RCTs. Nevertheless, our results indicate that high-dose glucocorticoids did not provide any benefits and significantly increased insulin use, which may increase the risk of hyperglycemia and related complications.

The evidence from our study was judged to be high based on the GRADE system. The low-dose subgroup for adult cardiac surgery (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone) only included 14 small RCTs, although 10 of these RCTs were considered high-quality based on the Jadad scores. Thus, large multi-center RCTs are needed as an additional source of evidence to clarify efficacy and optimal dose range for low-dose prophylactic corticosteroids during adult and pediatric cardiac surgery with CPB.

Statements

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author/s.

Author contributions

LWC, TCC, XHZ, and ZHQ designed the study. XJY, ZHQ, and MYT completed the literature search. All authors screened the results, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. LWC, TCC, and XJY performed the statistical analyses. TCC and XHZ wrote the report. All authors participated in evaluating the evidence and critically revising the report. TCC and XHZ contributed equally to this study. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript. LWC and TCC are the study guarantors. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [U2005202], the Fujian Province Major Science and Technology Program [2018YZ001-1], the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province [2020J01998, 2020J02056], and the Fujian provincial health technology project [2019-ZQN-50].

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fsurg.2022.832205/full#supplementary-material.

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Summary

Keywords

corticosteroids prophylaxis, cardiac surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, myocardial infarction, randomized controlled trial

Citation

Chai T, Zhuang X, Tian M, Yang X, Qiu Z, Xu S, Cai M, Lin Y and Chen L (2022) Meta-Analysis: Shouldn’t Prophylactic Corticosteroids be Administered During Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass?. Front. Surg. 9:832205. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.832205

Received

09 December 2021

Accepted

02 May 2022

Published

01 June 2022

Volume

9 - 2022

Edited by

Laura Pasin University Hospital of Padua, Italy

Reviewed by

Savvas Lampridis, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom IGiuseppe Filiberto Serraino, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Liangwan Chen

These authors have contributed equally to this work and share first authorship

Specialty section: This article was submitted to Heart Surgery, a section of the journal Frontiers in Surgery

Abbreviations: CPB, cardiopulmonary bypass; RCT, randomized controlled trial; OR, odds ratio; CI, confidence interval; MD, mean difference; ICU, intensive care unit; SIRS, systemic inflammatory response syndrome; ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; LOS, length of stay; CRP, C-reactive protein.

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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