Effect of Vitamin C Infusion on Organ Failure and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Vascular Injury in Patients With Sepsis and Severe Acute Respiratory Failure

Abstract

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common sepsis-associated organ injury and results in significant mortality^1-4; for instance, the LUNG SAFE study reported 34% to 45% mortality.⁵ Despite advances in understanding mechanisms that lead to ARDS,⁶ disease-modifying strategies have not improved outcomes.^7-12 Previous research found that vitamin C attenuates systemic inflammation, corrects sepsis-induced coagulopathy, and attenuates vascular injury.^13-15 The CITRIS-ALI randomized trial examined whether high-dose vitamin C would reduce organ failure and biomarkers of inflammation and vascular injury in patients with sepsis and ARDS.