Regarding the supplement “Severe Sepsis Management: Are We Doing Enough” (October 2003:suppl), on page 9 the authors state that “preliminary data show that low-dose steroid replacement may reduce mortality in patients with severe sepsis who have relative adrenal insufficiency.” A recent trial has clearly shown a mortality reduction with the use of low-dose steroids in adrenally insufficient patients with severe sepsis and should not be viewed as preliminary or experimental therapy.1 The use of steroid therapy is currently advocated for use in all patients with severe sepsis and has a clearly established role.2 As low-dose steroid therapy in severe sepsis is inexpensive, easy to administer, and was shown to have a safe side effect profile, its role is important as part of the sepsis treatment cocktail including tight glycemic control and activated protein C.

Evidence that supports low-dose steroids in patients with sepsis, who have been shown to...

You do not currently have access to this content.