From the Guidelines
The recommended hydrocortisone dose per kg is 2–6 mg/kg intravenously, as indicated by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Key Considerations
- The dose of hydrocortisone can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.
- In pediatric patients, the dose is typically higher than in adults, with a range of 2–6 mg/kg intravenously 1.
- It is essential to adjust the dose based on clinical response and to monitor for potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues.
Administration and Monitoring
- Hydrocortisone should be administered intravenously in a controlled medical setting, with close monitoring of the patient's vital signs and response to the medication.
- The medication can be given in divided doses, with the exact schedule depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient's individual needs.
- Patients should be educated on the importance of taking the medication as directed and not abruptly discontinuing use, as this can lead to adrenal crisis.
Comparison with Other Studies
- While other studies, such as 1, provide dosing information for hydrocortisone, the study by 1 is the most relevant and highest quality, providing a clear recommendation for the dose per kg.
- The dose range of 2–6 mg/kg intravenously is consistent with the principles of minimizing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life, and is therefore the recommended dose.
From the Research
Hydrocortisone Dose per kg
- The provided studies do not directly address the hydrocortisone dose per kg, but rather discuss the risks of adrenal insufficiency associated with corticosteroid use 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Study 6 mentions the correlation between morning serum cortisol and OCS exposure (mg/kg prednisolone) as well as ICS exposure (mg/kg fluticasone propionate), but does not provide a specific dose per kg.
- The studies focus on the management of corticosteroid-related comorbidities, adrenal insufficiency, and the need for steroid-sparing treatment in adult severe asthma 3, 4.
- They also discuss the risk of adrenal insufficiency associated with inhaled corticosteroids and the importance of screening for adrenal insufficiency in select patient groups 5, 6.
- However, none of the studies provide a specific hydrocortisone dose per kg, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.