Pharmacotherapy
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Severe sepsis is the leading cause of death among patients in intensive care units. Recombinant activated protein C is the only substance known to directly improve morbidity and mortality. ⋯ The main effect of glucocorticoids in low-doses apparently is exerted through correction of suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, the therapeutic benefits of glucocorticoids may be related to their antiinflammatory properties and endogenous catecholamine-enhancing effects.