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Updated: May 8, 2026

A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition
Published on: September 20, 2019
[Pharmaconutrition with parenteral selenium in sepsis].
P L Langlois1, L F de Oliveira Figliolino2, G Hardy3
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
Selenium therapy shows promise for critically ill septic patients, potentially reducing mortality and organ dysfunction. Further large-scale trials are needed to confirm these benefits in sepsis syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry of critical illness
- Pharmacology of antioxidant therapies
- Clinical trials in intensive care
Context:
- Critical illness involves oxidative stress, leading to organ failure.
- Sepsis-related organ dysfunction is a leading cause of ICU mortality.
- Antioxidant therapies, including selenium, are being investigated for sepsis.
Purpose:
- To review current evidence on selenium pharmaconutrition in sepsis syndrome.
- To discuss the role of selenium as a pharmaconutrient in critical care.
- To highlight the need for further clinical trials.
Summary:
- Selenium therapy, particularly as selenious acid or sodium selenite, is emerging as a key antioxidant strategy.
- Early-stage administration in severe sepsis/septic shock may have prooxidant effects.
- Phase II trials suggest selenium may decrease mortality, improve organ function, and reduce infections in septic patients.
Impact:
- Selenium therapy could offer a novel approach to managing sepsis-induced organ dysfunction.
- Confirmation in Phase III trials is crucial for establishing selenium's role in sepsis treatment.
- Findings may influence future guidelines for nutritional support in critically ill patients.
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