[Effects of selenium supplement on acute lower respiratory tract infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus].

An intervention study was conducted in 75 young children under one year hospitalized with pneumonia or bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of selenium (Se) supplement on acute respiratory lower tract infection caused by RSV with randomly controlled and double-masked method. Trial subjects were divided into two groups, one with 37 children in routine treatment and the other with 38 children in routine treatment plus Se supplement. The control group derived from 35 normal children during their physical check-up in the out-patient department. Sodium selenite was supplemented orally with 1 mg on the second day of hospitalization. Results showed that days needed for their relief of symptoms and signs were fewer in Se supplement group than that in controls and recovery in indicators of cell immune was better in the former than that in the latter. Levels of Se and glutathione peroxidase in plasma and white cells could be increased by Se supplement. It suggests that Se supplement can promote recovery from RSV infection.