Usefulness of the prevention of oxygen radical damage in the critical patient using the parenteral administration of reduced glutathione in high doses]

A hyperproduction of Oxygen Free Radicals (FRO) is frequently observed during stress, anoxia, hyperbarism and may worsen the clinical conditions of intensive care patients. The hyperproduction of FRO may be reduced by antioxidants. The glutathione (GSH) is frequently associated with organic antioxidant protective systems. Forty patients receiving a continuous infusion of 70 mg/Kg/die of GSH were compared with forty patients not receiving GSH; the patients in both groups were randomized for age, sex, and pathology. Some parameters which are indirect indexes of FRO hyperproduction were chosen: ethane in the expired air, plasma malondialdehyde, fibrinopeptide A and C5 activated complement fraction, also the erythrocyte membrane deformability was investigated. The results obtained in the group receiving GSH were compared with the control group and a significative difference was found indicating a reduced FRO production. These interesting results need more trials in order to confirm a real GSH involvement in the antioxidant organic protection. In any case the supplementation with antioxidants in the therapy of intensive care patients can be regarded as an interesting means to improve their clinical conditions.