In critically ill patients, there are reduced stores of antioxidants, which are associated with increased organ
failure and even higher mortality. Trace elements, especially zinc and selenium, are the cornerstone of the
antioxidant defense in acute systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Prolactin (PRL) is the
counterregulatory stress hormone that prevents cortisol/stress-induced lymphocyte apoptosis. The aim of
our study is to detect the serum levels of zinc, selenium, and PRL hormone as important
immunomodulators in critically ill children and to investigate the relationship between these
immunomodulators and the severity of illness.
Subjects and methods
This was a prospective study that included two groups; group 1: 50 critically ill children within 72 hours of
intensive care unit admission, and group 2: 30 healthy children as controls. Blood samples were collected
from the two groups for zinc, selenium, and PRL level measurement.
Results
Zinc and PRL levels were found to be decreased in critically ill children compared to control group, and
these levels were inversely correlated with organ failure index and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction
scores. Selenium levels were decreased in patients with sepsis and in patients with multiple organ failure.