Adrenocortical function in epilepsy

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Abstract
The plasma levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS), their response to ACTH stimulus, the in vivo half-life, and urinary excretion were determined in treated and untreated epileptic patients as a means of evaluating the production and metabolism of cortisol. The patients, 32 females and 15 males ranging in age from 4 to 49 years, were divided into 3 groups, (1) 29 dilantin (phenytoin)-treated; (2) 6 phenobarbital-treated; and (3) 12 untreated. The only difference noted in the epileptic groups was a significantly reduced urinary output of 17-OHCS, suggesting decrease in total functional capacity of the adrenal cortex, and possibly changes in adrenal steroid metabolism. Hydrocortisone is concluded to have no importance in the mechanism or treatment of epileptic seizures.