Hormones in the critically ill patient: to intervene or not to intervene?

Ligtenberg, J J; Girbes, A R; Beentjes, J A; Tulleken, J E; van der Werf, T S; Zijlstra, J G · Intensive Care Med · 2001

review · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

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.

Medical subject headings