Glucocorticoids in the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock

Septic shock remains one of the leading causes of death in intensive care units. In recent years, there is general use of low to moderate doses of corticosteroids in the treatment of septic shock. However, there are wide variations in the practical modality of this treatment, mainly with regard to patients' selection, treatment's dose, timing, route of administration, duration, and weaning. This review provides opinion-based guidelines for the use of corticosteroids in severe sepsis and septic shock.

A summary of the latest understanding of the mechanisms of action of corticosteroids and the most recent observations in the clinical and biologic responses to corticosteroids in severe sepsis and septic shock is presented.

In septic shock, intravenous hydrocortisone should be started immediately after a 250 microg corticotropin test, at a dose of 200-300 mg per day. When adrenal insufficiency is confirmed, treatment should be continued at full doses for 7 days. Otherwise, hydrocortisone should be stopped. It is worth considering adding enteral fludrocortisone at a dose of 50 microg per day for 7 days. In severe sepsis, despite growing evidence to support the use of a moderate dose of corticosteroids, the efficacy and safety of this treatment needs to be assessed in a large-scale study.