Effect of ß-glucan on serum levels of IL-12, hs-CRP, and clinical outcomes in multiple-trauma patients: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is associated with a profound immunological dysfunction. This predisposes patients to infections and adverse outcomes. ß-glucan has been implicated in the initiation of anti-microbial immune response. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of an enteral diet containing ß-glucan on serum levels of IL-12 and highly-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), occurrence of infection, and clinical outcomes in critically ill multiple-trauma patients.

METHODS: Forty multiple trauma patients requiring enteral nutrition for at least 10 days were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=20) or the placebo group (n=20). The intervention group received a high-protein enteral diet providing 3 g ß-glucan, and the control group received a similar diet, except for 3 g of maltodextrin as a placebo. Serum levels of IL-12 and hs-CRP were measured on days 0, 10, and 21.

RESULTS: The ß-glucan group showed significantly higher serum levels of IL-12 on day 21 compared to the control group. Infection frequency and duration of mechanical ventilation were significantly lower in the ß-glucan group. A significant difference was found in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in favor of the ß-glucan group. No difference was found in the serum levels of hs-CRP, length of ICU stay, occurrence of infection, and mortality rates between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: ß-glucan may increase serum levels of IL-12, shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation, and reduce organ failure in critically ill multiple-trauma patients.