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Plasma cortisol concentrations in patients with different circadian pain rhythm
Teofan Domżał1, Andrzej Szczudlik, Janusz Kwasucki
1Department of Neurology and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Internal Medicine,Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Military Medical Academy, WarsawPoland.
Abstract:
Plasma cortisol concentration was measured 4 times in a 24 h period in 4 groups of patients. Thirty of them complained of pain with different circadian rhythmicity (nocturnal pain, diurnal pain, continuous pain) and 10 were pain-free and served as a control group. The mean plasma cortisol concentration was significantly higher in pain patients as compared with healthy, pain-free subjects at the time of the highest pain intensity. There is a positive correlation between the intensity of pain and increased plasma cortisol level and this disagrees with previous reports of a relationship of pain and lower blood cortisol levels.