High-dose selenium substitution in sepsis: a prospective randomized clinical trial

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 μg on day 1,500 μg/day on days 2-14). Patients in both the control (Se-) group (n = 75) and the Se+ group received a standard Se dose (<75 μg/day). Plasma Se, whole-blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), albumin, prealbumin and cholesterol levels, along with APACHE II and SOFA scores, were determined at baseline and on days 1-7 and day 14. Mortality was assessed at day 28.

Plasma Se and GPx activity were increased in the Se+ group from day 1 onwards. Negative correlations were demonstrated between plasma Se, CRP (P = 0.035), PCT (P = 0.022) and SOFA (P = 0.001) at admission but not on days 7 or 14. Prealbumin and cholesterol increased in the Se+ group versus the respective baselines. Mortality was similar between groups, with no gender differences.

High-dose Se substitution in patients with SIRS/sepsis increased plasma Se and GPx levels, but did not reduce mortality. Markers of inflammation were reduced similarly in both groups.