High doses of corticosteroids in the treatment of septic shock.

Abstract

High doses of corticosteroids are reported to be beneficial in the treatment of septic shock in many animal species, e.g. dog, rat and rabbit. Recent findings in baboons subjected to E. coli shock indicate that early treatment with a combination of antibiotics and steroids strongly enhance survival rate. In clinical studies the protective effects of steroids are more ambiguous, however. In part this may be explained by variations in the amount of steroids used or by the fact that in some studies the steroid is administered late in shock. The dose recommended, 30 mg/kg bw of methylprednisolone or an equivalent amount of another glucocorticoid given once or twice, is based on animal as well as clinical documentation.

• Authors: A Hellman, K Alestig
• Journal: Acta chirurgica Scandinavica. Supplementum (Acta Chir Scand Suppl) Vol. 526 Pg. 124-8 ( 1985) ISSN: 0301-1860 [Print] Sweden
• PMID: 3911703 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Endorphins
• Gentamicins
• Dexamethasone
• Hydrocortisone
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Dexamethasone (therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Endorphins (antagonists & inhibitors, metabolism)
• Fever (drug therapy)
• Gentamicins (therapeutic use)
• Hemodynamics (drug effects)
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (therapeutic use)
• Methylprednisolone (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (etiology, prevention & control)
• Shock, Septic (drug therapy, metabolism)