MINI REVIEW: ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM CORTISOL LEVELS AND COVID-19 DISEASE

ABSTRACT

Serum cortisol concentration indicates the severity of the underlying condition. More severe disease results in increased cortisol concentrations in the blood, increasing the probability of a catastrophic outcome. A high level of serum cortisol is found in patients with community-acquired pneumonia, and these patients are more likely to develop major complications and death. Corticosteroids are endogenous hormones that are produced by the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal pathway, which is involved for stress response. Considering, known risk factors of endocrine disturbance, there has been minimal discussion on measuring the serum cortisol concentration in COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 mediated pathogenetic pathways, may also affect endogenous steroid synthesis, particularly cortisol. For the purpose of improving survival rate in severe COVID-19 individuals, we discuss briefly about the current and new findings in the support of measuring the serum cortisol levels in severe COVID-19 individuals and facilitate better treatment management in this article.