Acute infections uncontrolled by appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapy. Similarly, patients already receiving hydrocortisone therapy are more susceptible to infection, the symptoms of which, moreover, may be masked until an advanced stage has been reached. Patients with active or doubtfully quiescent tuberculosis should not be given hydrocortisone except, very rarely, as adjunct to treatment with antitubercular drugs. Patients with quiescent tuberculosis should be observed closely and should receive chemoprophylaxis if hydrocortisone therapy is prolonged.