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[Selenium deficiency associated with cardiac dysfunction in three patients with chronic respiratory failure]
1Department of Pulmonology, International Medical Center of Japan, Tokyo, Japan.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Selenium deficiency can cause cardiac dysfunction in patients with chronic respiratory failure receiving long-term parenteral nutrition. Supplementation improved heart function, highlighting the need for selenium monitoring and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Chronic respiratory failure patients often require long-term parenteral nutrition (PN).
- PN formulations may lack essential micronutrients like selenium.
- Selenium is crucial for cardiac function and antioxidant defense.
Observation:
- Three patients with chronic respiratory failure on long-term PN presented with refractory cardiac dysfunction (edema, heart failure, arrhythmias).
- These patients had documented low serum selenium levels.
- They had not received selenium supplementation in their PN.
Findings:
- Selenium deficiency was suspected as the cause of cardiac dysfunction.
- Serum selenium levels were significantly below normal in all three patients.
- Intravenous selenium supplementation (100 micrograms/day) led to marked improvement in cardiac function.
Implications:
- This case series underscores the critical importance of monitoring selenium levels in patients with chronic respiratory failure on long-term PN.
- Proactive selenium supplementation is necessary to prevent potentially life-threatening cardiac complications.
- Clinical guidelines for long-term PN should emphasize adequate selenium provision.