Vitamin C in sepsis

Purpose of review This narrative review summarizes recent insights into the role of vitamin C in sepsis. Recent findings Septic shock remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Although many nutritional supplements have previously been tested unsuccessfully, vitamins are still being explored as a therapeutic option in septic patients. In particular, vitamin C-containing regimens as adjunctive therapy in sepsis have received much attention. Summary In-vitro evidence supports a critical role for vitamin C in cellular mechanisms relevant to the pathophysiology of sepsis. However, whether this justifies therapeutic use of vitamin C in septic patients remains uncertain. Correspondence to Karsten Bartels, MD, MS, Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, 12401 E. 17th Avenue, Leprino Office Building, 7th Floor, MS B-113, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Tel: +1 720 848 6752; fax: +1 720 848 7375; e-mail: karsten.bartels@ucdenver.edu Copyright © 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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