Plasma free cortisol and B-type natriuretic peptide in septic shock.
Previous studies of patients with septic shock have independently demonstrated alterations in plasma concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide and plasma free cortisol. Previous data suggest that a reciprocal relationship might exist. However, the relationship between these hormones in patients with septic shock is unclear. We sought to compare paired measurement of both B-type natriuretic peptide and plasma free cortisol in a study of septic shock patients. Twenty-one consecutive adult patients from a tertiary level, multidisciplinary intensive care unit underwent blood collection within 72 hours of developing septic shock. Mean ± SD Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score was 80.1 ± 23.8. Hospital mortality was 29%. Log plasma free cortisol demonstrated positive correlation with log B-type natriuretic peptide (r=0.55, P=0.019). Log plasma free cortisol also correlated with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score (r=0.67, P <0.001) and noradrenaline dose (r=0.55, P=0.01). Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III (P=0.001) and noradrenaline dose (P=0.02) were independent predictors of plasma free cortisol. A model incorporating both variables explained 68% of variation in plasma free cortisol (R-square=0.682). This study of patients with septic shock demonstrates a previously unappreciated positive correlation between plasma free cortisol and b-type natriuretic peptide concentration. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score and noradrenaline dose were independent predictors of plasma free cortisol.
Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. d.sturgess@uq.edu.au
David J
DJ
Sturgess
Bala
B
Venkatesh
D018806:APACHE; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D009638:Norepinephrine