Adrenal failure in the critically ill

Abstract

Three critically ill patients suffered multiple organ failure secondary to sepsis. Despite adequate supportive therapy and appropriate antibiotic cover, they failed to improve and required inappropriate inotrope support. They had not been treated with steroids or other drugs known to suppress adrenal function. Adrenal insufficiency was suspected. A random cortisol concentration and a short synacthen test demonstrated concentrations below the range expected in all three cases. High-dose steroid therapy was commenced with marked improvement in the short-term. However, in each case sepsis eventually caused death.