We elaluated the effect of methylprednisolone on pulmonary hemodynamics on twelve 10 week-old anesthetized and cannulated pigs. All pigs received 3 ml/kg 20% human meconium via endotracheal tube, six pigs were premedicated with 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone. Ventilator settings were adjusted to avoid hypoxemia.

Meconium aspiration induced a biphasic pulmonary pressor response during the 6 hour observation period. Methylprednisolone prevented the second phase progressive rise in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). This was associated with improved oxygenation and dimished lung edema. (Fig., values mean ± SEM, * = p < 0.05 between the groups, solid circles = meconium group, open circles = pretreatment group).

figure 1

Figure 1

We conclude, that methylprednisolone attenuates the second phase pulmonary hemodynamic changes in meconium aspiration-induced acute lung injury probably by modulating the vasoconstrictor inflammatory mediators.