Oxidative stress derived from activated neutrophils is considered important in the development of multi-organ dysfunction syndrome during sepsis. However, so far, trials investigating the putative beneficial effects of antioxidant therapy have yielded conflicting results and have been subject to debate because of heterogenous patient populations and differences in the dosage and types of antioxidant administered. Therefore, a well-designed placebo-controlled trial shoud be carried out before antioxidant therapy can be considered standard treatment of septic patients. Copyright © 2008, Nederlandse Vereniging voor Intensive Care. All Rights Reserved.