To investigate the effect of methylprednisolone on inflammatory cytokines and urinary N-Beta-D-glucosaminidase/creatinine ratio in elective aortic aneurysm repair

INTERVENTION: 10 mg/kg methylprednisolone or dextrose placebo in equal volume given before ischaemia and subsequent reperfusion CONDITION: Abdominal aortic aneurysm ; Circulatory System ; Aortic aneurysm PRIMARY OUTCOME: Urinary N‐acetyl‐beta‐D‐glucosaminidase (Beta‐NAG) levels over the first post operative week (at baseline, 1 hour, 2, 6, 24 and 48 hours post cross clamp release). SECONDARY OUTCOME: Urinary albumin and alpha‐1 microglobulin levels over the first post operative week (at baseline, 1 hour, 2, 6, 24 and 48 hours post cross clamp release). INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients presenting to the Vascular Unit for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair will be invited to take part. Patients will be aged between 18 and 75.