Plasma cortisol is often decreased in patients treated in an intensive care unit.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of adrenal hypofunction, as assessed by plasma cortisol (p-cortisol) and its relationship to clinical events.


METHODS
Prospective, consecutive.


METHODS
General intensive care unit in a university hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-five patients (34 men and 21 women) were studied (surgery 40 patients, hemodialysis 5, ventilator treatment 45, sepsis 21).


METHODS
Morning basal levels of p-cortisol were determined. Previous reports define adrenal insufficiency to be present if p-cortisol under stressful conditions is lower than either 400 or 500 nmol/l. The tetracosactoid test (250 microg Synacthen) was performed in 16 patients and urinary 24-h excretion of cortisol in 24 (none on corticosteroid treatment).


RESULTS
Median p-cortisol was 550 nmol/l (range 20-1764). In 36% of patients p-cortisol was lower than 400 nmol/l and in 47% lower than 500 nmol/l. There was a significantly increased probability (P < 0.05) of p-cortisol being below 400 nmol/l in patients admitted due to trauma or cerebral disorder and in patients on ventilator therapy or on mannitol. Thirty minutes after tetracosactoid administration p-cortisol response was lower than 200 nmol/l in 56% of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Several patients had low p-cortisol and attenuated responses to tetracosactoid, indicative of adrenal insufficiency. There seem to be certain risk factors for adrenal hypofunction which may justify more frequent use of physiological doses of corticosteroid in selected patients.
Rydvall
A
A
Department of Anesthesia, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
Brändström
A K
AK
Banga
R
R
Asplund
K
K
Bäcklund
U
U
Stegmayr
B G
BG
D000293:Adolescent; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003366:Cosyntropin / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine; D007223:Infant; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008353:Mannitol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution
D003366:Cosyntropin; D008353:Mannitol; D006854:Hydrocortisone