CORTICAL AND MEDULLARY ADRENAL ACTIVITY IN SURGICAL AND ALLIED CONDITIONS

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Abstract
The blood levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OH) were estimated in 27 surgical cases. All cases showed an elevated level immediately following operation. In those with an uncomplicated postoperative course the blood level showed a typical pattern, with high values during the 1st 38 hours. Cases in which there was development of shock or other complications showed very high values of 17-OH. In most patients with a normal operative and postoperative course the epinephrine excretion in urine was approx. within normal limits during the 7 days following operation. The norepinephrine excretion was usually normal, but occasionally high values were observed. In patients with injuries or surgical operations accompanied by complications the excretion of epinephrine or norepinephrine, or both, was often greatly increased during the period immediately after the trauma.