Primary prevention of post-pericardiotomy syndrome using corticosteroids: a systematic review

Introduction: Post-pericardiotomy syndrome is a well-recognized inflammatory phenomenon that commonly occurs in patients following cardiac surgery. Due to the increased morbidity and resource utilization associated with this condition, research has recently focused on ways of preventing its prevention this condition; primarily using colchicine, NSAIDs and corticosteroids.

Areas covered: This systematic review summarizes the three clinical studies that have used corticosteroids for PPS primary prevention in the perioperative period. Due to the heterogeneity amongst these three studies in terms of population (both pediatric and adult patients), surgical procedure, administration regimen and results (only 1/3 studies reporting a positive effect), the effectiveness of corticosteroids remains unproven.

Expert commentary: Corticosteroids have shown to be useful in the treatment of PPS but have thus far have shown mixed results as a primary prevention method. Research on patients taking corticosteroids pre-operatively have shown a significant reduction in the risk of developing PPS. Further research is required to determine if corticosteroids are helpful in preventing PPS in patient undergoing cardiac surgery, before any recommendations regarding their use in cardiovascular surgery can be made.