Selenium, as Sodium Selenite, in the Treatment of Septic Shock

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.

Timeline

Start

2002-01

Primary completion

—

Completion

2005-01

Publications

• Background Brun-Buisson C, Doyon F, Carlet J, Dellamonica P, Gouin F, Lepoutre A, Mercier JC, Offenstadt G, Regnier B. Incidence, risk factors, and outcome of severe sepsis and septic shock in adults. A multicenter prospective study in intensive care units. French ICU Group for Severe Sepsis. JAMA. 1995 Sep 27;274(12):968-74.
• Background Forceville X, Vitoux D, Gauzit R, Combes A, Lahilaire P, Chappuis P. Selenium, systemic immune response syndrome, sepsis, and outcome in critically ill patients. Crit Care Med. 1998 Sep;26(9):1536-44. doi: 10.1097/00003246-199809000-00021.
• Background Goode HF, Webster NR. Free radicals and antioxidants in sepsis. Crit Care Med. 1993 Nov;21(11):1770-6. doi: 10.1097/00003246-199311000-00029.
• Background Novelli GP. Role of free radicals in septic shock. J Physiol Pharmacol. 1997 Dec;48(4):517-27.
• Forceville X, Laviolle B, Annane D, Vitoux D, Bleichner G, Korach JM, Cantais E, Georges H, Soubirou JL, Combes A, Bellissant E. Effects of high doses of selenium, as sodium selenite, in septic shock: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, phase II study. Crit Care. 2007;11(4):R73. doi: 10.1186/cc5960.

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