Cortisol response to corticotropin and survival in septic shock

Lancet. 1991 Mar 9;337(8741):582-3. doi: 10.1016/0140-6736(91)91641-7.

Abstract

Corticotropin stimulation tests were used to assess adrenocortical function in 32 patients with septic shock. 13 patients had a poor cortisol response (rise less than 250 nmol/l) to corticotropin, all of whom died. However, there were only 6 deaths among the 19 patients with adequate responses (p less than 0.001). These results suggest that some patients with septic shock may have relative adrenocortical insufficiency.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / pharmacology*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Shock, Septic / blood*
  • Shock, Septic / mortality
  • Stimulation, Chemical
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone