title: No effect of steroids on seroma formation after mastectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Seroma formation is a common problem after breast surgery. Studies indicate that seroma formation is a result of the postoperative inflammatory process. Glucocorticoid inhibits the inflammatory response.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a randomized pilot study, we measured the effect of glucocorticoid on drainage volume and seroma formation after breast surgery. A total of 42 patients with operable primary breast cancer scheduled for total mastectomy were randomized to either 125 mg methylprednisolone sodium succinate intravenously as a single bolus before the start of surgery or to a control group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no difference between the groups as to the number of patients having drains from day to day. The drainage volume was lower in the methylprednisolone sodium succinate group than in the control group; however, the difference was not significant (7,979 ml versus 9,267 ml). There was a tendency towards a higher seroma formation in the methylprednisolone sodium succinate group, but the tendency was not significant (15,803 versus 13,987 ml), and there was no significant difference in the number of seroma aspirations after surgery (92 versus 99).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Injection of a bolus of 125 mg of methylprednisolone sodium succinate before mastectomy did not reduce drainage volume or seroma formation. If intravenous glucocorticoid did have an effect, the case material was too small to prove it.
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. mette.okholm@rh.regionh.dk
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okholm
authors.forename: Christen Kirk
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Axelsson
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015850:Interleukin-6; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008776:Methylprednisolone Hemisuccinate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D049291:Seroma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D015850:Interleukin-6; D008776:Methylprednisolone Hemisuccinate; D002097:C-Reactive Protein