Cortisol Levels and Survival in Septic Shock ICU Patients

This research study is looking at cortisol—a natural hormone your body makes—in patients who are critically ill with sepsis or septic shock in the intensive care unit. Researchers want to understand whether measuring cortisol levels can help doctors predict which patients are at higher risk and identify those who might need additional support. By tracking cortisol and other blood markers over time, the study aims to improve how doctors assess and care for the sickest patients.

When the body is fighting a severe infection like sepsis, cortisol helps keep blood pressure stable and control inflammation. Some patients don't make enough cortisol during critical illness, which may make their condition worse. This study exists to understand whether checking cortisol levels could help doctors spot high-risk patients earlier and give them better care.