AUTHOR=Zhao Bing , Li Mengjiao , Sun Wenwu , Li Jian , Liu Leshan , Wang Yihui , Sun Silei , Xu Lili , Qi Xing , Xie Mengqi , Zhou Yuhua , Ni Tongtian , Yao Yi , Chen Peili , Yu Meiling , Jiang Weisong , Ning Ning , Sheng Huiqiu , Chen Erzhen , Wang Ruilan , Tong Chaoyang , Cao Yu , Sun Mingwei , Mao Enqiang TITLE=High-dose vitamin C on sepsis: Protocol of a prospective, multi-centered, double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled superiority study JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine VOLUME=9 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.950246 DOI=10.3389/fmed.2022.950246 ISSN=2296-858X ABSTRACT=Background

Sepsis is an inflammatory syndrome with life-threatening organ dysfunction and high mortality. In the recent 10 years, high-dose intravenous injection of vitamin C, the first-line antioxidant of humans, has received highlighted attention in the field of critical care. The study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of high-dose intravenous injection of vitamin C in the treatment of sepsis.

Methods and design

Here, we are conducting a prospective, multi-centered, double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled superiority study named High-Dose Vitamin C on Sepsis (HDVCOS). A total of 620 participants diagnosed with sepsis in four participating sites across China that satisfy the eligibility criteria will be randomized at a ratio of 1:1 to receive treatment with a high-dose intravenous injection of vitamin C (200 mg/kg/24 h) or placebo (saline) for 4 days. The primary outcome is 28 days of mortality. The secondary outcomes include the incidence of organ failure, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score change, organ support, the relationship between plasma vitamin C concentration and outcomes, and adverse events.

Conclusion

The findings of this study will provide potential evidence for high-dose intravenous injection of vitamin C in the treatment of sepsis.

Clinical trial registration

[http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=29851], identifier [ChiCTR1800017633].