Major burns trigger the release of circulating mediators, as cytokines and endotoxin that induces a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The cardiovascular effects are similar to those seen in septic shock. After the initial hypovolemic phase, patients with extensive burns often present a shock with increased cardiac output and reduced systemic vascular resistances. As described in septic shock, we test the hypothesis that low-dose hydrocortisone could decrease the duration of the shock period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• males and females,
• between 18 and 75 year old
• who present a burned surface more than 30% of the body surface
• who need catecholamine infusion
• between J0 and J3 after the injury.

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy,
• trauma,
• sepsis,
• cardiac insufficiency,
• AIDS,
• etomidate administration