Hormones in the critically ill patient: to intervene or not to intervene?
Critically ill patients show a variety of hormonal changes that appear to differ considerably in acute and prolonged critical illness. Whether these endocrine alterations serve as physiological adaptation or contribute to further deterioration remains an intriguing question. We review the recent literature and discuss whether measuring circulating hormone concentrations, performing stimulation tests, and intervening with hormone substitution could contribute to the recovery of critically ill patients.
Ligtenberg
J J
JJ
Intensive and Respiratory Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. j.j.m.litenberg@int.azg.nl
Girbes
A R
AR
Beentjes
J A
JA
Tulleken
J E
JE
van der Werf
T S
TS
Zijlstra
J G
JG
D000208:Acute Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018579:Patient Selection; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002395:Catecholamines; D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D013006:Growth Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone