The urinary catecholamine and plasma cortisol levels in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage

摘要: Abstract In a study of 37 cases subarachnoid haemorrhage high urinary catecholamine (normetanephrine and metanephrine) plasma cortisol excretion were observed. These levels persisted over 14-day period in patients who appeared otherwise well could not be attributed to normal stress response. Nevertheless higher reflected an impaired conscious state suggested correlation with cerebral vasospasm. On the basis angiographic findings, divided into non-spasm spasm groups, third group showed no their initial angiogram but did so on subsequent angiogram, was termed prespasm group. This revealed significantly raised values pre-spasm compared group, and, developing spasm, further significant increase normetanephrine noted. The possible role sympathetic nervous system, under sensitizing action corticosteroids, production maintenance artery is discussed.