Role of Methylprednisolone in the Management of Hemodynamically Unstable Brain-Dead Cases

Optimal care of potential donors can lead to successful transplantation. Hemodynamic instability is a common complication in deceased potential donors. The most common underlying causes are hormonal and electrolyte disturbances as well as a hyperinflammatory state, which is rooted in activation of the cytokine cascade. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of methylprednisolone injection, an agent introduced for inflammation suppression to achieve more stability in cases of hemodynamic disturbances.

This study covered the period from April 2016 to June 2017 and included 45 randomly selected hemodynamically unstable brain-dead cases (mean arterial pressure < 60 mm Hg). For these cases, primary management included trying to achieve stability; however, after many hours, we experienced hemodynamic instability again. Because of no other correctable methods, we decided to use methylprednisolone injection. The potential deceased donors received a total of 1 g methylprednisolone in two 500-mg divided doses after transfer to the organ procurement unit.

Of 45 patients, 26 were male (58%), and the mean age of patients was 33 years. The most common causes of brain death were trauma (33%) and cerebrovascular accident (22%). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased significantly after methylprednisolone use. We observed no significant dif ferences in pulse rate. In addition, methylprednisolone could correct pH from 7.33 ± 0.11 to 7.38 ± 0.12 (P = .007).

Use of methylprednisolone in hemodynamically unstable deceased donors could allow better management of these cases. Because there are various factors such as infusion of vasopressor drugs or fluid therapy that could affect the hemodynamic status of these cases, future studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to control these confounding factors.