Neuroendocrine Dysfunction in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients

Research studies in adults have shown that certain hormones may be decreased or may not work normally which contributes to how sick a person becomes. The purpose of this project is to study hormones in children. The investigators will look to see if a decrease of certain hormone levels affects how sick a child may become. This study is intended to develop a connection between hormone levels and severity of illness. It is hoped that the information gathered will help develop further studies that may more clearly explain the role of hormones in critically ill children and possibly the introduction of hormone replacement in critical illness.