SIRS trial is a large simple study in which high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery
requiring the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are randomly allocated to receive a pulse
dose of Methylprednisolone or a matching placebo. Cardiopulmonary bypass initiates a systemic
inflammatory response that facilitates development of post-operative complications. SIRS will
confirm or deny the potential clinical benefits of suppressing this response through the use
of systemic steroids. Specifically, does 250 mg of intravenous Methylprednisolone given
twice, once on anesthetic induction and again on CPB initiation, result in improved early
survival and less myocardial infarction in high-risk cardiac surgery patients requiring CPB?