A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: Efficacy of selenium treatment for sepsis
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: Efficacy of selenium treatment for sepsis
Li et al., 2019 | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis
Citation
Li Shaojun, Tang Tian, ... Tan Liping. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: Efficacy of selenium treatment for sepsis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019-Mar;98(9):e14733. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000014733
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To understand the clinical outcomes of selenium therapy in patients with sepsis syndrome, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT). METHODS: A total of 13 RCTs comparing selenium and placebo for patients with sepsis were reviewed systematically. RESULTS: However, we could not detect the association of selenium treatment with a decreased mortality at different time course (relative risk [RR] [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.94 [0.82-1.06] at day 28; 0.73 [0.36-1.47] at day 90; 1.16 [0.78-1.71] at 6 months; respectively). Selenium supplementation did not show favorable efficacy in the incidence of renal failure, secondary infection or duration of mechanical ventilation (RR [95% CI]: 0.65 [0.41-1.03]; 0.96 [0.87-1.06]; standard mean difference [SMD] [95% CI]: 0.17 [-0.30-0.63]; respectively). Interestingly, we found that selenium therapy was benefit for sepsis patients with reduced duration of vasopressor therapy, staying time in intensive care unit and hospital, and incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (SMD [95% CI]: -0.75 [-1.37 to -0.13]; -0.15 [CI: -0.25 to -0.04]; -1.22 [-2.44 to -0.01]; RR [95% CI]: 0.61 [0.42-0.89]; respectively). CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, intravenous selenium supplementation could not be suggested for routine use.
Key Findings
However, we could not detect the association of selenium treatment with a decreased mortality at different time course (relative risk [RR] [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.94 [0.82-1.06] at day 28; 0.73 [0.36-1.47] at day 90; 1.16 [0.78-1.71] at 6 months; respectively). Selenium supplementation did not show favorable efficacy in the incidence of renal failure, secondary infection or duration of mechanical ventilation (RR [95% CI]: 0.65 [0.41-1.03]; 0.96 [0.87-1.06]; standard mean difference [SMD
Outcomes Measured
- Requires manual extraction
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | sepsis syndrome |
| Sample Size | 13 |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | See abstract |
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Female
- Humans
- Intensive Care Units
- Length of Stay
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Renal Insufficiency
- Respiration, Artificial
- Selenium
- Sepsis
- Time Factors
- Young Adult
Evidence Classification
- Level: Meta Analysis
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
- Vertical: selenium
Provenance
- PMID: 30817625
- DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000014733
- PMCID: PMC6831114
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09