Relative Adrenal Insufficiency in Postresuscitation Patients

Kim, Jin Joo; Shin, Jong Hwan; Lim, Yong Su; Kim, Chung Kwon; Kim, Jae Kwang; Hyun, Sung Youl; Yang, Hyuk Jun; Lee, Gun; Choi, Young Cheol

Abstract

PURPOSE: Relative adrenal insufficiency is common in intensive care unit patients. Basal cortisol and the cortisol response following the injection of synthetic corticotropin were prospectively evaluated in postresuscitation patients after cardiac arrest.
METHODS
This is a prospective cohort study of relative adrenal insufficiency of patients with return of spontaneous circulation (>24 hours) after cardiac arrest who were admitted to the intensive care unit over three-year period from January 2005 to December 2007. Relative adrenal insufficiency was measured the next day after return of spontaneous circulation following cardiac arrest.
RESULTS
Seventy-five patients were included over three years. Relative adrenal insufficiency developed in 41 patients. In patients with relative adrenal insufficiency, SOFA (sequential organ failure assessment) and lactate were elevated (p=0.03, 0.048), mortality was higher (p=0.014) and basal cortisol concentrations were significantly increased (p=0.001). In patients with therapeutic hypothermia, there were no significant differences with or without relative adrenal insufficiency (p=0.847). The factors associated with mortality, as assessed by multiple logistic regression were relative adrenal insufficiency, therapeutic hypothermia and the time from arrest to the start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
CONCLUSION
Both basal cortisol and the cortisol response after the injection of synthetic corticotropine must be considered in predicting patients outcome. For patients with relative adrenal insufficiency, some specific treatments such as cortisol can be considered. More prospective multicenter study is needed.