effect of selenium supplementation on crp levels and incidence of delirium in critically ill patients

Background: selenium (se), mainly through its incorporation into selenoproteins, plays an important role in inflammation and immunity. evidence has emerged regarding roles for individual selenoproteins in regulating inflammation and immunity. the aim of this study was to evaluate the response on the inflammatory biomarker c-reactive protein, and its possible impact on the incidence of delirium. methods: this prospective, non-randomized, open-label, single-center clinical trial included 100 critically ill patients. patients in the selenium group (n = 50) received se for 5 days (500 μg twice daily infused over 2 hours). plasma levels of c-reactive protein (crp), was determined on days 1-5. the incidence of delirium was assessed by the confusion assessment method (cam) on a daily basis. results: crp decreased in the selenium group from day 1 onwards. the mean of crp was 11.1 ± 2.20 in the se group compared to 16.7±1.6 in the control group, the difference was significant (p < 0.0001). 32% of patients in the selenium group and 52% in the control group had delirium (p = 0.07). conclusions: se administration in critically ill patients decreased crp levels, but did not reduce the incidence of delirium.