Limited effects of micronutrient supplementation on strength and physical function after abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy.
BACKGROUND
Tissue injury following ischemia-reperfusion is mediated in part by free oxygen radicals. We hypothesized that perioperative micronutrient supplementation would augment antioxidant defenses, minimize muscle injury, and minimize postoperative decreases in muscle strength and physical function following abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy.


METHODS
A university-affiliated hospital and regional referral center.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of supplementation with beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium for a period of 2-3 weeks prior to surgery and 1 week thereafter.


METHODS
Patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy (n=18 per group).


METHODS
Handgrip and other measures of strength and physical function.


RESULTS
Handgrip and quadriceps strength decreased following surgery, but not to a significantly different extent in the placebo and supplemented groups. Self-rated physical function decreased following surgery in the placebo group and was preserved in the supplemented group.


CONCLUSIONS
Perioperative supplementation with micronutrients with antioxidant properties has limited effects on strength and physical function following major elective surgery.
Watters
James M
JM
Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Canada.
Vallerand
Andrew
A
Kirkpatrick
Susan M
SM
Abbott
Heather E
HE
Norris
Sonya
S
Wells
George
G
Barber
Graeme G
GG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D019990:Perioperative Care; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000975:Antioxidants; D018977:Micronutrients; D014815:Vitamins; D019207:beta Carotene; D014810:Vitamin E; D012643:Selenium; D015032:Zinc; D001205:Ascorbic Acid