Selenium, as Sodium Selenite, in the Treatment of Septic Shock
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2005-01-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Septic shock is a frequent syndrome with a 45% mortality rate despite intensive care unit
(ICU) care, where free radicals may play a key role, and a >40% decrease in plasma selenium
concentration is observed. Selenium is a trace element with both indirect enzymatic
anti-oxidant, and direct oxidant properties. High dose of sodium selenite administration
could increase antioxidant cells capacities, and reduce inflammation by a direct paradoxical
pro-oxidative effect. We conduct a study to evaluate the effects of selenium treatment in
comparison to placebo, in septic shock patients. Efficacy will be evaluated by the weaning
time of catecholamines.