MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Bala Venkatesh, MBBS, MD(Int.Med), FRCA, FFARCSI, MD(UK), FCICM Director of Intensive Care, Wesley Hospital Pre-eminent specialist, Princess Alexandra Hospital Professor of Intensive Care,University of QLD Honorary Professor, University of New South WalesProfessorial Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?  Response: Whether hydrocortisone reduces mortality in patients with septic shock is unclear. The uncertainty about the efficacy of glucocorticoids in reducing mortality in patients with septic shock has resulted in widespread variation in clinical practice In the results published in the New England Journal of Medicine the investigators found steroids not only reduced the duration of septic shock, they also led to less blood transfusions, and the time spent on life support therapy in intensive care. However, the use of steroids did not lead to fewer deaths overall compared to placebo. Some of the findings are consistent with previous research whilst other results add new information that will inform clinicians. Our results show there is still a lot to learn about septic shock which kills up to half of those affected in some parts of the world. There are undoubtedly many other contributors to survival which we don’t yet understand.  (more…)