The Delayed Cortisol Peak Effect After Severe Burn Injury: A Prospective Observational Study.

Summary: When the body experiences a major shock, like a car accident or severe infection, it typically floods the system with cortisol—the "stress hormone"—to help manage the trauma. However, a new study reveals that patients with severe burns don't get this immediate protective boost. Instead of spiking right away, their cortisol levels remain surprisingly normal for the first four days, only surging to a peak between days five and seven. This "delayed peak" suggests that burn victims may have a temporary shortage of cortisol right when they need it most. Consequently, researchers support giving these patients low-dose hydrocortisone early on to bridge the gap and help the body cope with the initial shock.