Evidence of altered cortisol metabolism in critically ill patients: a prospective study.
BACKGROUND
Changes in cortisol metabolism due to altered activity of the enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. No published data exist on the activity of this enzyme in critical illness.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate cortisol metabolism in critically ill patients utilising plasma cortisol: cortisone ratio as an index of 11beta-HSD activity.


METHODS
Tertiary level intensive care unit.


METHODS
Three cohorts of critically ill patients: sepsis (n = 13); multitrauma (n = 20); and burns (n = 19).


METHODS
Serial plasma cortisol: cortisone ratios.


RESULTS
Plasma total cortisol cortisone ratios were determined serially after admission to the intensive care unit. As compared with controls, the plasma cortisol:cortisone ratio was significantly elevated in the sepsis and trauma cohorts on day 1 (22 +/- 9, p = 0.01, and 23 +/- 19, p = 0.0003, respectively) and remained elevated over the study period. Such a relationship was not demonstrable in burns. The ratio was significantly correlated with APACHE II (r = 0.77, p = 0.0008) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (r = 0.7, p = 0.003) only on day 7 and only in the burns cohort. There were no significant correlations observed between total plasma cortisol or cortisone and sickness severity in the sepsis and trauma cohorts.


CONCLUSIONS
In critically ill patients, there is evidence of altered cortisol metabolism due to an increase in 11beta-HSD activity as demonstrated by an elevation of plasma cortisol: cortisone ratios. Further studies with larger sample sizes specifically designed to examine altered tissue 11beta-HSD activity and its clinical significance and correlation with outcome are warranted.
Venkatesh
Bala
B
Department of Intensive Care, Princess Alexandra and Wesley Hospitals, University of Queensland, 4102, Queensland, Australia. bala_venkatesh@health.qld.gov.au
Cohen
Jeremy
J
Hickman
Ingrid
I
Nisbet
Janelle
J
Thomas
Peter
P
Ward
Gregory
G
Hall
Jonathan
J
Prins
John
J
D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000378:metabolism; D003348:Cortisone / Q000097:blood; D016638:Critical Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000378:metabolism; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000378:metabolism
D003348:Cortisone; D006854:Hydrocortisone