European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Trace elements are modulators of inflammatory cascades acting as antioxidants and co-factors to numerous enzymes required for physiological processes such as protein metabolism, RNA configuration, and membrane stabilization. The trace elements deficiencies may augment oxidative stress in critical illness, hence their supplementation may be beneficial in these patients. Methods: We measured serum concentrations of trace elements and evaluated their clinical significance in relation to treatment outcomes of critically ill patients. A total of 96 participants with age 18-65 years were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups (interventional group received intravenous multi-trace and control group received intravenous normal saline) The blood concentrations of the trace elements zinc, copper, selenium, chromium and manganese were measured at baseline and every 7 days. Results: Significant difference was observed 28 day and 90-day mortality between the interventional and control group (18 vs 32 and 20 vs 35 respectively). The mean days of stay in ICU was lower for interventional group (10.604±3.420) than that of controls (16.833±2.995) (p<0.0001). The hospital length of stay in the hospital was also significantly lower in the interventional (12.63 ±4.39) than control group (14.72 ±4.32). No significant difference was observed in number of ventilation days between both the group (7.167±4.570 vs 8.458±6.825) (p=0.2791). Conclusion: This study showed that intravenous supplementation of multi-trace elements improves the outcome in critically ill patients.