Abstract
Although the existence of a circadian periodicity of plasma corticosteroid levels is well documented in man, few studies have been performed in surgical patients relating alterations in the circadian rhythmicity of adrenocortical function to surgical procedures. The present study used frequent sampling techniques to examine the effects of varying types of surgery on the secretory pattern of adrenocorticosteroids. In 10 patients, 36–65 yr old, blood was drawn from a superficial vein every 20 min for 2 24-h periods: 1 beginning 48 h before surgery, the other beginning 48 h after surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the degree of severity of their surgery: a low trauma group not requiring laparotomy (n = 4), and a high trauma group which required laparotomy (n = 6). Cortisol was measured by RIA, and computer analysis revealed a postoperative rise in plasma cortisol levels which persisted from 48–72 h after surgery and could be significantly correlated with the severity of surgery. The ep...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
