title: Cortisol response to corticotropin and survival in septic shock.
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.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Therapy Unit, South Cleveland Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Rothwell
authors.forename: Z F
authors.initials: ZF
authors.lastname: Udwadia
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Lawler
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone