Patterns of endocrine secretion during sepsis

In septic patients the clinical course of the disease is characterized by high DIT and rT3 serum concentrations as well as a low T3-syndrome. While rT3 is elevated in almost all critically ill patients, the increase in DIT is indicative of severe infection. Prolactin levels are regularly elevated in sepsis although to variable degrees. Catecholamines and vasopressin should be regarded as acute responders. The pattern of cortisol secretion is uncertain. In most situations the secretion appears to be elevated; the circadian rhythm is disturbed.