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


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09