[A biochemical assessment of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex in patients with occupational bronchial asthma and asthmatic bronchitis].

The article contains a study of the basal level and the circadian rhythm of the hydrocortisone secretion in patients with occupational bronchial asthma and asthmatic bronchitis. Relationships were established between the hydrocortisone secretion levels and severity of the clinical course. Circadian rythm disorders resulted into double hydrocortisone secretion increases at 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Hydrocortisone secretion circadian rhythm data should be taken into account in the development of individual therapies.