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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Ubiquinol (reduced Coenzyme Q10) in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial

Authors: Michael W. Donnino, Sharri J. Mortensen, Lars W. Andersen, Maureen Chase, Katherine M. Berg, Julia Balkema, Jeejabai Radhakrishnan, Raúl J. Gazmuri, Xiaowen Liu, Michael N. Cocchi

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Introduction

We previously found decreased levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in patients with septic shock. The objective of the current study was to assess whether the provision of exogenous ubiquinol (the reduced form of CoQ10) could increase plasma CoQ10 levels and improve mitochondrial function.

Methods

We performed a randomized, double-blind, pilot trial at a single, tertiary care hospital. Adults (age ≥18 years) with severe sepsis or septic shock between November 2012 and January 2014 were included. Patients received 200 mg enteral ubiquinol or placebo twice a day for up to seven days. Blood draws were obtained at baseline (0 h), 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. The primary outcome of the study was change in plasma CoQ10 parameters (total CoQ10 levels, CoQ10 levels relative to cholesterol levels, and levels of oxidized and reduced CoQ10). Secondary outcomes included assessment of: 1) vascular endothelial biomarkers, 2) inflammatory biomarkers, 3) biomarkers related to mitochondrial injury including cytochrome c levels, and 4) clinical outcomes. CoQ10 levels and biomarkers were compared between groups using repeated measures models.

Results

We enrolled 38 patients: 19 in the CoQ10 group and 19 in the placebo group. The mean patient age was 62 ± 16 years and 47 % were female. Baseline characteristics and CoQ10 levels were similar for both groups. There was a significant increase in total CoQ10 levels, CoQ10 levels relative to cholesterol levels, and levels of oxidized and reduced CoQ10 in the ubiquinol group compared to the placebo group. We found no difference between the two groups in any of the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

In this pilot trial we showed that plasma CoQ10 levels could be increased in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, with the administration of oral ubiquinol. Further research is needed to address whether ubiquinol administration can result in improved clinical outcomes in this patient population.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01948063. Registered on 18 February 2013.

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Title: Ubiquinol (reduced Coenzyme Q10) in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial
Authors: Michael W. Donnino
Sharri J. Mortensen
Lars W. Andersen
Maureen Chase
Katherine M. Berg
Julia Balkema
Jeejabai Radhakrishnan
Raúl J. Gazmuri
Xiaowen Liu
Michael N. Cocchi
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Critical Care / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-015-0989-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Ubiquinol (reduced Coenzyme Q10) in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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