Therapeutic potential of megadose vitamin C to reverse organ dysfunction in sepsis and COVID-19.

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.

• Authors: Clive N May, Rinaldo Bellomo, Yugeesh R Lankadeva
• Journal: British journal of pharmacology (Br J Pharmacol) Vol. 178 Issue 19 Pg. 3864-3868 (10 2021) ISSN: 1476-5381 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 34061355 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: © 2021 The British Pharmacological Society.

Chemical References

• Ascorbic Acid

Topics

• Animals
• Ascorbic Acid
• COVID-19
• Humans
• Multiple Organ Failure (drug therapy)
• SARS-CoV-2
• Sepsis (drug therapy)
• Sheep