Evaluation of cortisol levels during physiological stress
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of cortisol levels during physiological stress
IRAS ID
133422
Contact name
Tricia Tan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College
Research summary
When the body undergoes stress, it responds by secreting high levels of the hormone cortisol to cope with the stress. Measurement of cortisol values in patients undergoing stress (e.g. during surgery) has been used to measure the minimum cut-off cortisol levels we should expect to see during stress. These values are used to define the minimum expected values for cortisol during hormonal testing so that we can diagnose cortisol deficient patients. These cortisol deficient patients are given replacement hydrocortisone so that they can cope with situations of stress.
The original values used to define these minimum cut-off values were originally defined in studies from the 1960s. However, the methods used to measure cortisol have changed a great deal since then. In this project, therefore, we will measure the cortisol levels secreted by patients undergoing surgery to re-define the cut-off values of cortisol for the 21st century.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0104
Date of REC Opinion
13 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion