Expediency of using hormone therapy for bacterial meningitis

Glucocorticoids (GC) are included in the pathogenetic therapy for severe complicated forms of neuroinfections due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, and anti-shock effects. GCs have a suppressive effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, mainly as a result of long-term treatment courses. At the same time, the secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands decreases. The article shows the effect of short courses of glucocorticoid therapy on the serum cortisol level at different periods of bacterial meningitis. It was found that the introduction of GCs significantly increases the serum cortisol level. In the case of low cortisol levels at the height of the disease, the administration of GCs leads to the restoration of the hormone physiological values before convalescence.