Abstract

About half of all patients in shock associated with sepsis die, despite advances in intensive care and the support of failing organs. Many treatments have been tried, including high-dose corticosteroids, but evidence that any of them help is sparse. Some textbooks still recommend high-dose corticosteroids, e.g. The Oxford Textbook of Medicine, and dexamethasone is marketed in a formulation specifically for use in shock (Decadron Shock-Pak), but the data sheet for Solu-Medrone (Upjohn) now mentions septic shock as a specific contra-indication.