Effects of dexamethasone on intravascular and extravascular fluid balance in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background: Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is often associated with postoperative hemodynamic instability. In this regard beneficial effects of corticosteroids are known. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether these effects are due mainly to a modification of the intravascular and extravascular volume status or whether a more direct improvement of cardiovascular performance by corticosteroids is the underlying mechanism.