Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis remain the leading cause of death in the critically ill. A reduction in the antioxidant capacity, including selenoenzymes that are dependent on selenium (Se), could be a contributing factor.
Se supplementation in septic patients have yielded conflicting results. We hypothesized that a high-dose Se supplementation would (1) improve markers of inflammation, nutrition and antioxidant defence, and (2) decrease mortality.
This prospective, randomized, open-label, single-centre clinical trial included 150 patients with SIRS/sepsis and a SOFA score of > 5. Patients in the Se+ group (n = 75) received Se for 14 days (1,000 mu g on day 1,500 mu g/day on days 2-14).