Methylprednisolone in the treatment of lung contusion following blunt chest trauma.

The effects of large doses of methylprednisolone (MP) (30 mg per kg. b.w.) in patients with lung contusion following blunt chest trauma were studied in 10 patients selected at random and compared with 10 chest trauma patients receiving no steroids, but otherwise treated in the same way. All patients survived. Serious post-traumatic complications were reduced in the steroid group. All patients were followed with haemodynamic and metabolic observations for 6 weeks using Swan-Ganz flow directed thermodilution catheters. The most pronounced effect of MP was a significant reduction of pulmonary vascular resistance which may prevent right heart failure. The study demonstrates that MP should be given in sufficient doses in patients with respiratory insufficiency following blunt chest trauma.