There is still controversy over the use of steroids in the treatment of gram-negative septic shock since there is no evidence of decreased mortality and they may increase gastrointestinal hemorrhage and disseminate the infection. However steroids may prolong life until antibiotic therapy takes effect or surgery is performed and may block toxic effects. Empirical or theoretical advantages of cortiscosteroid include: 1) establishing blood pressure; 2) establishing urinary flow; 3) stabilizing lysosomal membranes; 4) preventing proteotytic enzyme release; and 5) improving cardiac output. Hydrocortisone is suggested in intravenous doses of 100 mg/1000 ml of fluid as most effective. Dexamethasone and methylprednisolone may also be used as a bolus. Treatment with corticosteroids showed improvement in patients in septic shock within 3-6 hours tissue p02 increased in 16-24 hours tissue pC02 declined in 18-24 hours and cardiac and urinary output increased in 1-2 hours.