Redox Changes Induced by General Anesthesia in Critically Ill Patients with Multiple Traumas

Figure 1

Schematic representation of oxidative stress in the critically ill patient with multiple traumas. Primary trauma induces a series of secondary injuries due to the biological and biochemical imbalances. The first side effect installed is SIRS, followed by sepsis, and finally by MODS. The inflammations generated by the action of the polymorphonuclear cells, as well as by hypermetabolism, maintain and enhance the oxidative stress. Mitochondria are significantly affected thereby producing significant amounts of superoxide anion. Free radicals produced at the cellular level are neutralized by the number of antioxidant enzyme systems, such as SOD, CAT, Trx, Gpx, and Prx [11, 12].