Serum Trace Elements in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: The Relationship Between Trace Element Supplementation and Period of Mechanical Ventilation in a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

background: coronary artery bypass graft surgery (cabg) may cause a substantial decrease in trace elements of whole blood during the operation, as well as increased oxidative stress and result in lung damage. objectives: this study aimed to evaluate the effect of addamel, as a complete mixture of trace elements, in reducing the period of mechanical ventilation following the cardiac surgery. methods: in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, two hundred patients receiving cabg were randomized to receive three doses of either addamel or normal saline. selenium, zinc, copper, ferrous, and manganese serum levels were measured before the operation, on days one and two in all groups. besides, the effects of addamel on the mechanical ventilation period were evaluated. results: the mean length of stay on the mechanical ventilator was lower in the supplemented patients (21.98 ± 8.4 days) than the control patients (25.16 ± 8.44 days), and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.009). conclusions: a substantial number of patients undergoing cabg may benefit from supplementation with addamel, as a source of trace elements.