[Effect of corticotropin (porcine) on adrenal function in burn injury patients]

In the blood of patients with burns comprising 20-49% of the body surface, the hydrocortisone level was 2-3 times as increased as compared with healthy subjects during 4 weeks after the injury. Administration of high-purified porcine corticotropin significantly raised the hydrocortisone level by 2 times. The maximal absolute increase in the hydrocortisone content in the blood was provoked by corticotropin in the patients within the first week, whereas the minimal increase within the 3rd week of the burn disease. Repeated administration of porcine corticotropin produced no allergic reactions, anaphylactic manifestations, local or general complications.