Cortisol evaluation during the acute phase of traumatic brain injury—A prospective study

Summary Background Biochemical diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency (AI) is difficult in the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Aim To assess the frequency and predictive factors of AI in victims of TBI from Algiers. Methods Between November 2009 and December 2013, TBI victims had a single 8‐9 am serum cortisol measurement during the acute postinjury period (0‐7 days). AI was defined according to basal cortisol levels of 83, 276 and 414 nmol/L. Variables studied were TBI severity according to Glasgow coma scale, duration of intubation and coma, pupillary status, hypotension, anaemia, brain imaging findings, diabetes insipidus and medication. Insulin tolerance test was performed during the recovery phase, defining AI as peak cortisol