EFFECTS OF MEGA DOSE VITAMIN C IN CRITICALLY ILL COVID-19 PATIENTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), COVID-19, caused a pandemic that took millions of lives worldwide. The main reason is lack preparedness and knowledge about the treatment options. With advancement in understanding SARS-CoV-2 virus, many options have been analyzed helped effectively to decrease mortality by this virus. Vitamin C known boost immunity slow down progression viral infection. current study was designed assess effectiveness high dose intravenous (IV) vitamin COVID-19 clinical trial registered on 23/12/2020 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04682574) conducted Bahria Town International Hospital, Lahore (BTIHL), Fatima Memorial (FMH), Evercare Hospital from 28/12/2020 10/4/2022. Two hundred seventy-eight critically ill patients with were categorized into two groups. One thirty-nine randomized group VC (vitamin C), which given (30 grams) for four days, whereas distilled water as placebo control (n=139) along standard protocols. All primary outcomes partial pressure arterial oxygen (PaO2) Fraction inspired (P/F) ratio survival analysis. At same time, levels inflammatory biochemical markers needed intubation length hospital stay both groups compared study's secondary endpoint. Among groups, we did not find any differences 28-day (Log Rank P= 0.11). Similarly, no difference P/F fourth day after start IV noted (p=0.24). median values variables improved significantly 4. However, only hemoglobin remained non-significant between Mean days slightly longer C. statistical significance (p=0.941) found. Although Group fewer intubations than C, results statistically insignificant (p= 0.273). This benefit or improvement patients. showed prognostic importance, seems lower chance LOS VC. A further large sample size reach final conclusion.