Mm. Berger et al., COPPER, SELENIUM, AND ZINC STATUS AND BALANCES AFTER MAJOR TRAUMA, The journal of trauma, injury, infection, and critical care, 40(1), 1996, pp. 103-109
To investigate the trace elements (TE) losses and status after trauma,
11 severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score: 29 +/- 6), admit
ted to the ICU were studied from the day of injury (D0) until D25. Bal
ance studies were started within 24 hours after injury, until D7. Seru
m and urine samples were collected from D1 to D7, then on D10, 15, 20,
and 25, Intravenous TE supplementation was initiated upon admission.
Serum: Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) levels were decreased until D7 and
were normal thereafter. Losses: TE urinary excretions were higher than
reference ranges until D20 in all patients. Fluid losses through drai
ns contained large amounts of TE. Balances: Balances were slightly pos
itive for copper (Cu) and Zn, and negative for Se from D5 to D7 despit
e supplements. Cu status exhibited minor changes compared to those obs
erved with the Zn and Se status: Serum levels were decreased and losse
s increased. Considering the importance of Se and Zn in free radical s
cavenging, anabolism, and immunity, current recommendations for TE sup
plements in severely traumatized patients ought to be revised.