Immunological Function clinical trials

Effects of Methylprednisolone on Immunological Function and Postoperative Pain

Surgical trauma is characterized by a tightly integrated sequence of neurohumoral and immunological processes. When this is marked, it can manifest as a clinical entity called the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Previous studies reported that inflammatory milieu in the postoperative period can be a harmful and potentially modifiable condition that may affect postoperative recovery, which includes the level of pain, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and vomiting (PONV), muscle weakness, and sleep quality and then increases the need for hospitalization. The effect of postoperative inflammation-related immune suppression such as the T-cell exhaustion and lymphocyte anergy may render the patient vulnerable to both infection and the recurrence of malignancy on postoperative infection risk and malignancy recurrence are currently subjects of intense speculation and investigation. Glucocorticoids are well known for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive agents and antiemetic effects. Though previous studies' results on postoperative outcome have been positive and in favor of glucocorticoid use, with postoperative nausea and vomiting and pain outcome parameters most significantly improved. However, high-dose methylprednisolone treatment could result in decreases T-cells postoperatively. Based on these consideration, the aim of our study was to assess the effect of a single low-dose preoperative methylprednisolone (MP) 1 mg/Kg i.v. on postoperative pain and immune functions in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) under general anesthesia.