Serum Cortisol: A Predictor of Mortality in Sepsis?

To evaluate the pattern and predictive value of serum cortisol levels in severe septic shock, we studied 20 consecutive critically ill patients with severe sepsis. Serum cortisol levels were measured at time of diagnosis, at 12 and 24 hours, and daily for 5 days. Underlying diagnoses included pneumonia (n = 9), urosepsis (n = 5), peritonitis (n = 4), and cellulitis (n = 2). Two patterns of cortisol secretion were identified. In Group A, serum …