Determination of salivary cortisol to assess time-related changes of the adrenal response to stress in critically ill patients.

Background: The value of salivary cortisol measurement to study stress-related adrenal response is controversial. The study aim was to assess the role of salivary cortisol measurement to detect time-related changes of adrenal response in critically ill patients.

Patients And Methods: Patients with organ failure, sepsis or trauma were prospectively recruited in the Emergency Department.