Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
Serum Levels of Cortisol, Immunoglobulin, and C-reactive Protein in Burn Patients
D Pileri1, A Accardo-Palumbo, L D'Amelio
1Plastic Surgery and Burns Therapy Operating Unit.
Thermal injury is known to induce alterations in the immune system, but the precise mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. It has been shown that thermal injury in more than 20% of the total body surface area (TBSA) leads to disturbances in the cortisol metabolism and the equilibrium of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We investigated the temporal relationship between serum cortisol levels, C-reactive protein, and immunoglobulin levels in the post-burn period. Twenty-one adult burn patients (mean age, 52 ± 17 yrs) were included in the study (TBSA, 10-80%); nine developed sepsis and five died. The nonseptic group consisted of twelve patients. Thirty healthy blood donors served as controls. Our results suggest that increased cortisol and decreased immunoglobulin levels could be related to severe sepsis and clinical outcome.
Thermal injury is known to induce alterations in the immune system, but the precise mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. It has been shown that thermal injury in more than 20% of the total body surface area (TBSA) leads to disturbances in the cortisol metabolism and the equilibrium of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We investigated the temporal relationship between serum cortisol levels, C-reactive protein, and immunoglobulin levels in the post-burn period. Twenty-one adult burn patients (mean age, 52 ± 17 yrs) were included in the study (TBSA, 10-80%); nine developed sepsis and five died. The nonseptic group consisted of twelve patients. Thirty healthy blood donors served as controls. Our results suggest that increased cortisol and decreased immunoglobulin levels could be related to severe sepsis and clinical outcome.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
