Abstract
Sepsis induced by bacteria or viruses can result in multiorgan dysfunction, which is a major cause of death in intensive care units. Current treatments are only supportive, and there are no treatments that reverse the pathophysiological effects of sepsis. Vitamin C has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and immune modulatory actions, so it is a rational treatment for sepsis. Here, we summarise data that support the use of megadose vitamin C as a treatment for sepsis and COVID-19. Megadose intravenous sodium ascorbate (150 g per 40 kg over 7 h) dramatically improved the clinical state and cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic and renal function and decreased body temperature, in a clinically relevant ovine model of Gram-negative bacteria-induced sepsis. In a critically ill COVID-19 patient, intravenous sodium ascorbate (60 g) restored arterial pressure, improved renal function and increased arterial blood oxygen levels. These findings suggest that megadose vitamin C should be trialled as a treatment for sepsis and COVID-19.
Conflict of interest statement
YRL, RB and CNM have a provisional patent on vitamin C use in sepsis (2020901120).
Affiliations
- 1Preclinical Critical Care Unit, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- 2Department of Critical Care, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- 3Department of Intensive Care, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
- PMID: 34061355
- PMCID: PMC8239596
- DOI: 10.1111/bph.15579