The effects of methylprednisolone on oxygenation in experimental hypoxemic respiratory failure

Methylprednisolone administration in dogs with oleic acid-induced pulmonary edema increases survival rate, cardiac output, oxygen delivery, and peripheral capillary Po2 compared to untreated dogs with edema. In addition, there is evidence that steroid treatment brings about a more favorable relationship between ventilation and perfusion but this effect takes a longer time than those dependent on cardiac output. There is mounting evidence from this and other studies that steroids represent a rational form of treatment at least for some forms of hypoxemic respiratory failure.