Dysfunction of neuroendocrine system in sepsis and implication of hormone therapy

Sepsis and related syndromes are the major cause of multiple organ failure and death in patients with critical illnesses. Neuroendocrine dysfunction has long been thought to be an important event in sepsis. In clinic, optimal management of the hormones could alleviate severe complications in sepsis. In this article, we review the dysfunction of neuroendocrine system as well as autonomic nervous system in sepsis, and summarize the respective therapy strategies.