title: Methylprednisolone plus ibuprofen increases mortality in septic rats.
abstract: Steroids and cyclooxygenase inhibitors have been advocated as adjunctive treatment for sepsis. We studied the influences of these treatments on the survival of 98 male Sprague-Dawley rats in which sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. Rats received one of four treatments: sodium chloride (NaCl); methylprednisolone, 30 mg/kg (MP); ibuprofen, 12.5 mg/kg (I); methylprednisolone, 30 mg/kg, plus ibuprofen, 12.5 mg/kg (MP + I). Cumulative survival statistics were determined daily for 14 days thereafter. Survival was not altered by either MP or I when compared to animals receiving NaCl only. However, the combination of MP + I increased mortality from day 2 through day 14. The authors conclude that (1) MP administration alone does not increase mortality in septic rats; therefore, the results do not support the contention that steroid treatment in the absence of antibiotic therapy may be detrimental; (2) the cyclooxygenase inhibitor I does not improve survival in septic rats; and (3) the combined administration of MP and I increases mortality in septic rats and the possibility that this combination might be harmful in septic patients should be considered also.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality
chemical_list: D007052:Ibuprofen; D008775:Methylprednisolone