Antioxidants in critical illness.
Oxidative stress has been implicated in the manifestations of critical illnesses, including ischemia and reperfusion injury and systemic inflammatory states. This review describes the evidence for increased oxidative stress in critically ill patients and explores the data regarding antioxidant therapy for these conditions. Antioxidant therapies reviewed include N-acetylcysteine, selenium, vitamins E and C, superoxide dismutase, catalase, lazaroids, and allopurinol. We focus on the results of these interventions in animal models and human trials, when available.
Bulger
E M
EM
Department of Surgery, Box 359796, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. ebulger@u.washington.edu
Maier
R V
RV
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress
D000975:Antioxidants