Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

06:08
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Adrenal function in patients with community-acquired pneumonia
S Gotoh1, N Nishimura, O Takahashi
1Dept of Respiratory Medicine, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo. gotoshin@luke.or.jp
The European Respiratory Journal
|February 22, 2008
Summary
Adrenal dysfunction is linked to community-acquired pneumonia severity. Higher pneumonia scores correlated with increased ACTH and cortisol, but reduced cortisol response, impacting patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Adrenal insufficiency is common in sepsis.
- The relationship between adrenal function and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) severity is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between adrenal function and CAP severity.
- To determine if adrenal dysfunction correlates with clinical outcomes in CAP patients.
Main Methods:
- 64 Japanese patients with CAP were enrolled.
- Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels were measured.
- Cosyntropin stimulation test assessed cortisol response.
- Data correlated with Pneumonia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) scores and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Increasing PORT scores correlated with elevated serum ACTH and cortisol.
- Cortisol response to cosyntropin decreased as PORT scores increased.
- Adrenal dysfunction significantly correlated with in-hospital deaths and length of stay.
- True adrenal insufficiency via cosyntropin test was rare.
Conclusions:
- Adrenal dysfunction is associated with CAP severity and adverse clinical outcomes.
- Adrenal function markers may help predict CAP prognosis.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of adrenal dysfunction in CAP.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumonia IV: Management
The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without causing...
