Hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with capillary fluid leakage, resulting in edema and occasionally organ dysfunction. Systemic inflammatory activation is considered responsible. In some studies methylprednisolone has reduced the weight gain during cardiopulmonary bypass. Vitamin C and alpha-trinositol have been demonstrated to reduce the microvascular fluid and protein leakage in thermal injuries. We therefore tested these three agents for the reduction of cold-induced fluid extravasation during cardiopulmonary bypass.