Nutrition and Oxidants in the Critically Ill Patient

Abstract

The host defense response of critical illness results in increased oxidant stress. This has the potential to damage tissues, the most important mechanism of which is via cellular energy depletion. Evidence for increased oxidant production and associated tissue injury is well documented in conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), atherosclerotic disease, autoimmune processes, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and findings have been correlated with survival.Antioxidant strategies have been shown to improve specific parameters associated with oxidant stress. It has been more difficult to demonstrate improvements in outcome; however, it is possible that in the future, specific combinations, doses, or routes of administration may yet do so.