Comparison of Oxidative Stress Markers with Clinical Data in Patients Requiring Anesthesia in an Intensive Care Unit

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the oxidative stress status in patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission before initiating ICU treatment, by measuring the total oxidant level (TOS) and total antioxidant level (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels. Additionally, we aim to explore the correlation between these oxidative stress markers and biochemical and hematological parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 153 patients treated in intensive care units were included in the study. Patients who met the patient admission criteria of the ethics committee of the intensive care medicine association were included in the study. Blood samples were taken at the first moment the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (before starting treatment). In total, 60 healthy volunteers who were compatible with the patient group in terms of age and gender were included in the study as a control group. Patients who had previously received antioxidant treatment and cancer patients were excluded from the study. Results: The TOS was significantly higher in the patient group (13.4 ± 7.5) compared to controls (1.8 ± 4.4) (p = 0.021). TOS > 12.00 means a "very high oxidant level". OSI was significantly higher in the patient group (689.8 ± 693.9) compared to the control group (521.7 ± 546.6) (p = 0.035). Ferritin levels were significantly higher in the patient group (546.5 ± 440.8 ng/mL) compared to controls (45.5 ± 46.5 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Patients had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cells (WBCs), immature granulocytes (IGs), zinc, and copper compared to the control group, indicating elevated inflammation and oxidative stress. CRP levels were 76.6 ± 85.9 mg/L in patients versus 5.6 ± 15.1 mg/L in controls (p < 0.001). PCT levels were 15.8 ± 8.6 ng/L in patients versus 2.3 ± 7.2 ng/L in controls (p = 0.012). Zinc and copper were also significantly elevated (p = 0.012 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: Our study provides valuable insights into the relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and trace elements, contributing to the growing understanding of oxidative stress as a prognostic tool in critical care. This could help to tailor therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing oxidative damage in ICU patients, enhancing patient outcomes.