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.
Keywords
sepsis - septic shock - pediatric septic shock - adrenal insufficiency - relative
adrenal insufficiency