The aim of the investigators' research program is to investigate the effects of perioperative high dose selenium supplementation in high-risk cardiac surgical patients undergoing complicated open heart surgery. The investigators hypothesize that the therapeutic strategy tested in this randomized trial may contribute to a fewer complications, less organ injury and fewer deaths. Before the investigators conducted the large definitive trial, they conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of the protocol, and are rolling the pilot patients into the definitive trial.
Over a million patients undergo open heart surgery annually and this number is likely to accelerate as the population ages and the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease continue to increase. Unfortunately, death, organ failure, and other serious complications are all too frequent following open heart surgery, especially in some high-risk patient populations. Selenium is a trace element that is important for many of the body's regulatory and metabolic functions especially during times of stress. International members of the study team have shown in a non-randomized study that high dose selenium supplementation was associated with improved clinical outcomes compared to a historical control group. The next step in this program of research is to conduct a randomized trial. The aim of this research program is to investigate the effects of perioperative high dose selenium supplementation in high-risk cardiac surgical patients undergoing complicated open heart surgery. The investigators hypothesize that the therapeutic strategy tested in this randomized trial may contribute to fewer complications, less organ injury and fewer deaths. The investigators propose to conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre definitive trial of 1400 patients across 20 sites in Germany and Canada, which will include the pilot study patients. An industry partner (Biosyn) will provide the product and some additional support for the European sites. Patients will be randomized to receive either a daily perioperative high-dose selenium or placebo until postoperative day 10 (maximum) or upon earlier discharge from ICU. If the hypothesis is proven true, and this simple, inexpensive nutrient reduces complications and improves recovery of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, there is the potential to dramatically change clinical practice and improve health outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
All subjects will receive an IV bolus of 2000µg selenium within 30min after induction of anesthesia via the central venous catheter. After termination of surgery, immediately after admission to the ICU, all patients will receive a second bolus of 2000µg selenium. Then on every further morning during ICU-stay, patients will receive an IV bolus of 1000µg selenium via central or peripheral venous access until death, discharge from ICU to the ward, or for a maximum of 10 days.
All patients will receive an IV bolus of normal saline (equals to 40ml prepared solution) within 30min after induction of anesthesia via the central venous catheter. After termination of surgery, immediately after admission to the ICU, all patients will receive a second bolus of normal saline accordingly. Then on every further morning during ICU-stay, patients will receive an IV bolus of normal saline via central or peripheral venous access until death, discharge from ICU to the ward (treatment may continue in a step down or intermediate care unit), or for a maximum of 10 days.
Hamilton General Hospital
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
PODS free days + alive
Evaluate the PODS free days + alive as the primary outcome for the large-scale Phase III trial. We define PODS as the need for life-sustaining therapies (mechanical ventilation, vasopressor therapy, mechanical circulatory support, continuous renal replacement therapy, or intermittent hemodialysis).
Time frame: 30 Day
30-Day Mortality
Mortality 30 days post-randomization.
Time frame: 30 Day
Hospital Acquired Infections
To be evaluated up to 6 months post-randomization.
Time frame: 30 day
Perioperative hemodynamic profile
This includes: mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac power index, systemic vascular resistance, etc... To be assessed up to 6-months post-randomization.
Time frame: 6 months
Cardiovascular Complications
This includes: arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, infarction. To be assessed up to 6-months.
Time frame: 6-months
Duration of Mechanical Ventilation
To be assessed up to 6-months.
Time frame: 6-months
Incidence of post-operative delirium
Assessed by CAM-ICU score. To be assessed up to 6-months.
Time frame: 6-months
ICU Length of stay
To be assessed up to 6 months post-randomization.
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Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
1,400
London Health Sciences Centre
London, Ontario, Canada
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
St. Michael's Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto General Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Institut de cardiologie de Montreal
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
McGill University Health Centre
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Sacre Coeur
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
...and 13 more locations
Time frame: 6-months
Hospital Re-admission Rates
To be assessed up to 6-months post-randomization.
Time frame: 6-months
Hospital Length of stay
To be assessed up to 6 months post-randomization.
Time frame: 6-months
6-Month Survival
To be assessed at 6 months post-randomization.
Time frame: 6-months
Quality of Life
Health related quality of life to be assessed up to 6-months post-randomization.
Time frame: 6-months
Return to work
Assessed using a questionnaire to determine the patient's ability to return to their pre-operative working capabilities. To be assessed up to 6 months post-randomization.
Time frame: 6-months
6-minute walking test
6-minute walking distance
Time frame: up to 3 months