The Value of Selenium Therapy in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

The study investigated the effects of selenotherapy in 32 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, who often experience an imbalance in antioxidative-oxidative processes due to infections and malabsorption of nutrients like vitamin E and selenium. Patients received oral sodium selenite at a dose of 155 micrograms per square meter of body surface area per day for 3 months, which is 4 times the recommended supply. The therapy resulted in positive metabolic, endocrine, and clinical outcomes, such as normalized plasma selenium levels, improved thyroid hormone efficacy, and enhanced cardiac output. However, 3 patients experienced side effects, including anorexia, nausea, and mild hair loss. A reduced dose of 60 micrograms per square meter per day over 1 year maintained benefits without side effects. The study recommended sodium selenite therapy, ideally combined with vitamin E, for CF patients.