Acute Pharmacodynamic Effects of Glucocorticoids

Abstract

Cardiac output and intravascular pressure were measured before and after large doses of glucocorticosteroids administered intravenously to nine normal subjects and nine patients in shock. Glucocorticoids caused a sustained increase in cardiac output and a decrease in calculated peripheral resistance. No changes in mean arterial and venous pressures were observed. Possible mechanisms underlying these pharmacologic effects and their implications for the treatment of shock are discussed.