The Impact of Selenium Supplementation on Trauma Patients-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to assess current evidence regarding the effect of selenium (Se) supplementation on the prognosis in patients sustaining trauma. MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched with the following terms: trace element, selenium, copper, zinc, injury, and trauma. Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that Se supplementation was associated with a lower mortality rate (OR 0.733, 95% CI: 0.586, 0.918, p = 0.007; heterogeneity, I-2 = 0%). Regarding the incidence of infectious complications, there was no statistically significant benefit after analyzing the four studies (OR 0.942, 95% CI: 0.695, 1.277, p = 0.702; heterogeneity, I-2 = 14.343%). The patients with Se supplementation had a reduced ICU length of stay (standard difference in means (SMD): -0.324, 95% CI: -0.382, -0.265, p < 0.001; heterogeneity, I-2 = 0%) and lesser hospital length of stay (SMD: -0.243, 95% CI: -0.474, -0.012, p < 0.001; heterogeneity, I-2 = 45.496%). Se supplementation after trauma confers positive effects in decreasing the mortality and length of ICU and hospital stay.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the effect of selenium supplementation on the prognosis of trauma patients. The meta-analysis showed that selenium supplementation was associated with a lower mortality rate and shorter hospital stay, but did not have a statistically significant benefit on the incidence of infectious complications.