Abstract

Introduction: Sepsis, a syndrome of physiologic, pathologic, and biochemical abnormalities induced by infection, is a major public health concern, accounting for more than $20 billion (5.2%) of total US hospital costs in 2011.

Sepsis is a life-threatening systemic inflammatory response that can result in multi-organ dysfunction and intractable hypotension. In critically ill patients, severe sepsis and septic shock are known as the main causes of mortality. Adequate fluid resuscitation, infection control, cardiovascular and respiratory supports are recommended for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock.

Effects of ascorbic acid on hemodynamic parameters were evaluated in nonsurgical critically ill patients in limited previous studies. High-dose ascorbic acid in patients with burn injury decreased fluid and vasopressors’ requirements. Also, in patients with severe sepsis, high-dose intravenous ascorbic acid improved hemodynamic parameters.^[2]

Benha University Hospitals in the academic year of 2017. Patients were divided into 3 groups:

• Group 1: Control (conventional management; IV fluids + antibiotics + vasopressors
• Group 2: 3 grams/day.
• Group 3: 6 grams/day.

Conclusion: We suggested that the early use of intravenous vitamin C may prove to be effective in preventing progressive organ dysfunction including acute kidney injury and reducing the mortality of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. This inexpensive and readily available intervention has the potential to reduce the global mortality from sepsis.