[Cranio-cerebral trauma and circadian rhythms of activity of several functions of the hypothalamo-hypophyseo-adrenal system in patients of different age groups].

The circadian rhythms of the androgenic and glucocorticoid activity of the adrenal cortex were examined in 7 patients with concussions of the brain, and in 22 -- with contusions. The excretion of 17-ketosteroids and of total 17-oxycorticosteroids was determined dynamically in separate 6-hour portions of the urine. In cases of brain concussions, both in the initial period of the trauma, and 10--12 days therafter, only a tendency towards increased excretion of corticosteroids during the night and decreased excretion in the morning hours was observed. In brain contusions the rhythm of andorgenic activity was altered. The most significant alterations caused by a severe trauma were observed in the rhythm of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex: its reduction in the morning hours, and increase during the night. Some 10--12 days after the brain contusions the rhythm of the hormonal activity remained altered, especially in young and middle-aged patients. These peculiarities of the rhythms should be taken into account when prescribing replacement corticosteroid therapy.