The administration of hydrocortisone via injection during the Korean War served primarily as a treatment for severe inflammatory conditions and shock. It aimed to mitigate the body’s overwhelming response to trauma, infection, or allergic reactions.
Its utilization offered a significant advantage in managing life-threatening situations. The drug’s anti-inflammatory properties proved crucial in suppressing excessive immune responses, potentially preventing organ damage and improving survival rates among wounded soldiers and those suffering from severe illnesses. This period marks an early chapter in the broader application of corticosteroids in emergency medicine.