Cortisol and Corticotrophin in Burned Patients,
Abstract
In a study of 36 men burned in a fire, based on sequential early morning samples, plasma cortisol concentration was elevated in proportion to burn size. Plasma corticotrophin (ACTH) was not correlated with burn size, suggesting that factors other than ACTH contribute to the elevated cortisol. Cortisol levels did not fall on the days preceding death in nonsurvivors. During 24-hour sampling, burned patients exhibited a fitted cortisol curve mean that was elevated in proportion to burn size, a rhythm amplitude that was significantly less than that in uninjured controls, and a normal peak time. Metabolic rate, rectal temperature, and urinary catecholamine excretion were also elevated in proportion to burn size. Although plasma cortisol was positively correlated with metabolic rate and with temperature, this appeared to result from a common relationship of these variables with burn size. On the other hand, urinary catecholamine values significantly reduced the residual variance of metabolic rate and temperature after accounting for variance related to burn size. Cortisol appears to be less prominent than catecholamines as a possible mediator of the elevated thermogenesis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA119633
Entities
People
- Basil A. Pruitt Jr.
- Cleon W. Goodwin Jr.
- George M. Vaughan
- John P. Allen
- Richard A. Becker
Organizations
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research