Cortisol levels are predictors of severity and outcome in CAP to a similar extent to the PSI, and are better than routinely measured laboratory parameters. In CAP, the prognostic accuracy of FC is not superior to TC. Clinical trial registered with www.controlled-trials.com (ISRCTN04176397).

The more pronounced increase in FC seen during stress as compared with the ACTH test suggests that this test does not adequately anticipate the FC levels needed during severe stress.

Brodie abscess is a relatively rare subacute form of osteomyelitis that is difficult to diagnose due to its insidious onset and limited initial systemic response. We present a case of Brodie abscess in a person with knee pain, swelling and antalgic gait. Diagnosis was made initially using plain radiography, this was supported by magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed on bacterial culture of the surgical samples.