Fatemeh Roudi - Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Golnaz Ranjbar - Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Introduction: Inflammation, metabolic and hormonal alterations, and oxidative stress during acute phase response of critically illnesses may lead to development of poor clinical outcomes. Selenium is an important micronutrient which plays role in anti-oxidative defense system and many studies have reported selenium with beneficial effects on inflammation. Methods: We conducted a review on the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using relevant MeSH terms and keywords to provide updates in the selenium status and functions in the acute phase response and possible beneficial effects of administration of selenium as supplement on inflammation and oxidative stress status in critically ill pediatric patients. After identification and screening for eligibility in the title and abstract of the search results, relevant articles were obtained and read thoroughly in the reviewing process. Results: Due to high status of acute metabolic stress, the physiologic selenium dose administration would be insufficient and additional selenium intake may be required in acute phase response stage. Selenium supplementation at high doses may lead to reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation levels in critically ill children. However, we could not find any clinical trial investigating the effects of high dose selenium supplements in critically ill children. Conclusion: Selenium supplementation at high doses may lead to reduction in the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress and consequently, improvement of clinical outcomes in critically ill children. Further clinical trials, specifically randomized clinical trials are required in this regard at PICUs.

Selenium; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Inflammation; Oxidative Stress