Antioxidants in critical illness.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the manifestations of critical illnesses, including ischemia and reperfusion injury and systemic inflammatory states. This review describes the evidence for increased oxidative stress in critically ill patients and explores the data regarding antioxidant therapy for these conditions. Antioxidant therapies reviewed include N-acetylcysteine, selenium, vitamins E and C, superoxide dismutase, catalase, lazaroids, and allopurinol. We focus on the results of these interventions in animal models and human trials, when available.