Introduction
Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) has been proposed as an early treatment of septic shock with discrepant results [1–3]. Beneficial action is mainly believed through improvement of major antioxidant selenoenzymes, but could on the contrary be related to a therapeutic oxidant action reducing activity of hyperactivated circulating phagocytic cells [4]. It has been suggested that the absence of beneficial effect of high-dose Na2SeO3 continuously administered [2] might be related to toxicity, especially on the lung, of too much selenium (Se) as mentioned in recent parenteral nutrition guidelines in intensive care [5]. On additional clinical and biological data, our purpose was to assess if there was argument for Na2SeO3 toxicity, especially on the lung, under continuous administration of high-dose Na2SeO3 in the SERENITE study.