Salivary cortisol estimation to assess adrenal status in children with fluid unresponsive septic shock

Abstract

We evaluated the adrenal status by estimating baseline and ACTH stimulated salivary cortisol in 51 children with fluid unresponsive septic shock at 30 and 60 minutes, and basal salivary cortisol (9-11 am) in 79 healthy children. The baseline salivary cortisol (median,IQR) among patients (19.8, 7.2-42.4 nmol/L) was higher than healthy children (2.6, 1.3-7.6 nmol/L) (P=0.001). Non-survivors and those with catecholamine refractory shock had higher baseline cortisol level, though difference was statistically insignificant. Absolute adrenal insufficiency (baseline salivary cortisol <1.3nmol/L) was diagnosed in 8 (15.7%) patients. Relative adrenal insufficiency (rise in cortisol level above baseline value after stimulation <25nmol/L) was observed in 68.6% of all patients; 71.9% among non-survivors, and in 71.4% patients with catecholamine refractory shock. Salivary cortisol estimation appears to be feasible in children with septic shock. Relative adrenal insufficiency is common in these children.