J Pediatr Intensive Care 2015; 04(03): 129-137
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1559821
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Relative Adrenal Insufficiency in Pediatric Septic Shock

David Vila-Pérez
1   Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Barcelona University, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
,
Iolanda Jordan-García
1   Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Barcelona University, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

15 July 2014

10 October 2014

Publication Date:
07 August 2015 (online)

Zoom Image

Abstract

Sepsis and septic shock represent important causes of morbidity and mortality in children, and adrenal dysfunction may play a role in the cardiovascular and immunological response. According to existing reports, the incidence of adrenal dysfunction in critically ill children varies significantly between 4 and 52% of patients. This article reviews the concept of adrenal insufficiency and the role it may play in a pediatric septic shock. Also discussed are the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of adrenal insufficiency in septic shock in adults and children. Finally, the latest recommendations about steroid use in pediatric septic shock are summarized.