Evaluation of Endotracheal Steroid Therapy in Acid Pulmonary Aspiration Syndrome (Mendelson's Syndrome)

Abstract

An experimental study using rabbits and cats was conducted to establish the place of endotracheal steroid therapy in the acid pulmonary aspiration syndrome (Mendelson's syndrome). Pulmonary lesions were produced readily by endotracheal injection of hydrochloric acid. Dilution of the acid with sodium bicarbonate or saline did not reduce the severity of the lesions induced. Endotracheal hydrocortisone or fluocinolone did not affect the course of the pulmonary pathology produced by hydrochloric acid of low pH. These steroids were shown to produce lesions attributable to their endotracheal administration.