[Features of hormonal status in men during long-term coma]

Serum hormonal profiles were studied in 48 patients during long (6-56 days) coma. Low T3 and T4 and an essential increase in the levels of hydrocortisone, prolactin, estradiol, and particularly progesterone (20-fold) in the presence of normal LH concentration and decreased level of FSH were observed on days 7-16. Changes in the concentrations of sex hormones, similar to the "false pregnancy" condition, were the most pronounced in the patients who later died.