(a) During proposed regimens of "low-dose" hydrocortisone therapy, initially achieved plasma cortisol concentrations considerably exceed basal and ACTH stimulated levels. (b) Cortisol concentrations decline subsequently, despite continuous application of a constant dose. (c) "Inadequate" endogenous steroid production appears to sensitize patients to the hemodynamic effects of a "therapeutic rise" in plasma cortisol levels.

No abstract

(i) A marked acute phase response occurs regularly after cardiac arrest, but within the complexity of this situation the severity of hypoxia is not a predominant determinant of this response. (ii) Despite in vitro evidence for similarities in the oxygen dependent regulation of APP and EPO production, the oxygen sensitivity of these proteins in vivo is different. (iii) Measurements of APP are not revealing regarding infectious complications in the early phase after CPR.

No abstract