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Hypoglycemia, hormones and cytokines in fatal meningococcal septicemia

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Abstract

A unique case report with sequential measurements of the plasma concentrations of glucoregulatory hormones, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor during development of hypoglycemia in fatal meningococcemia is presented. Hormonal explanations for hypoglycemia like hyperinsulinemia or defective hypoglycemic counterregulation were excluded. Plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor were skyhigh. The putative relation between cytokines and hypoglycemia in sepsis is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Intensive Care, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    J. A. Romijn, M. H. Godfried, C. Wortel & H. P. Sauerwein M.D.

  2. Department of Internal Medicine F5-258, Academisch Centrum, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    J. A. Romijn, M. H. Godfried, C. Wortel & H. P. Sauerwein M.D.

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  1. J. A. Romijn
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  2. M. H. Godfried
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  3. C. Wortel
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  4. H. P. Sauerwein M.D.
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Romijn, J.A., Godfried, M.H., Wortel, C. et al. Hypoglycemia, hormones and cytokines in fatal meningococcal septicemia. J Endocrinol Invest 13, 743–747 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03349613

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03349613

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