Objective  To analyze the effect of methylprednisolone sodium succinate on pulmonary function and inflammation in patients with respiratory distress syndrome.

  Methods  A total of 90 patients with respiratory distress syndrome were randomly divided into two groups, with 45 per group. The control group received routine treatment, while the observation group was given methylprednisolone sodium succinate at the same time of routine treatment. The pulmonary function and inflammation were observed and compared between the two groups.

  Results  After treatment, the Murray acute lung injury score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Score II (APACHE II) of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with before treatment, the total lung capacity (TLC), vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory vital capacity (FVC) and other lung function indicators in the observation group were significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.05), and the lung function indicators above in the observation group after treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with before treatment, the levels of interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and other inflammatory factors in the two groups were significantly lower after treatment (P < 0.05), and the levels of inflammatory factors in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).

  Conclusion  Methylprednisolone sodium succinate in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome patients can achieve a better curative effect, significantly improve lung function, and reduce the level of inflammation, and has high safety.