Do Cortisol Levels Predict the Outcome of Pediatric Oncology Patients Admitted to the PICU for Concerns of Sepsis

Introduction Sepsis is the leading cause of death in children worldwide and the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in pediatric patients are often guided by studies of adult patients. Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in febrile pediatric oncology patients, with shock demonstrating even poorer outcomes. Steroid supplementation with hydrocortisone is recommended in patients with septic shock not responsive to fluid and vasopressors, despite the unknown underlying pathophysiological mechanism for …