Do corticosteroids improve outcomes in septic shock? The ADRENAL trial was a large-scale, randomized, double-blind study that examined the use of hydrocortisone in patients with septic shock who did not respond to fluid resuscitation and vasopressors. A total of 3800 patients were included. The study revealed no significant difference in the 90-day mortality between the hydrocortisone-treated group (53.3%) and the placebo group (54.0%). While hydrocortisone therapy did not impact survival, it did improve hemodynamic stability and reduce the need for vasopressor support. Furthermore, the duration of the initial episode of mechanical ventilation was lower in the hydrocortisone group. The trial provided crucial evidence in assessing the role of corticosteroids in sepsis management, suggesting that while they may aid in stabilization, they may not impact overall survival.