High-Dose Vitamin C Could Pose Risk in Severe Burns

Overview

The VICTORY trial found that high-dose intravenous vitamin C did not reduce mortality or persistent organ dysfunction in patients with severe burn injuries. The trial was terminated early due to findings suggesting potential harm associated with vitamin C treatment.

Background

Severe burn injuries can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, necessitating effective treatment strategies. High-dose vitamin C has been proposed as a potential therapy, but prior studies have yielded inconsistent results. The VICTORY trial aimed to provide definitive evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of high-dose vitamin C in this patient population.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• High-dose vitamin C did not reduce the primary composite outcome of 28-day mortality or persistent organ dysfunction.
• The trial was terminated early after crossing a futility/harm threshold.
• 28-day mortality was higher in the vitamin C group (15%) compared to placebo (8%).
• Kidney replacement therapy was initiated in 11% of patients receiving vitamin C versus 6% in the placebo group.
• No benefit was observed in any prespecified subgroup analysis.
• Previous studies suggesting benefits were generally small and underpowered for significant outcomes.

Clinical Implications

The findings from the VICTORY trial indicate that high-dose intravenous vitamin C should not be used as a treatment for severe burn injuries due to lack of efficacy and potential harm.

Conclusion

The VICTORY trial provides evidence against the use of high-dose vitamin C in severe burn patients.

Related Resources & Content

1. High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C and Mortality and Organ Dysfunction in Severe Burn Injury: The VICTORY Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA, 2026 -- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2850392?resultClick=1
2. High-Dose Vitamin C in Burns: Time to Stop, JAMA, 2026 -- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2850393?resultClick=1
3. American Burn Association’s Clinical Practice Guideline on Burn Shock Resuscitation, 2024 -- https://guidance.nattrauma.org/media/wetjtmrg/american-burn-association-clinical-practice-guidelines-on-burn-shock-resuscitation.pdf
4. Intensive Care Medicine — Adjuvant Vitamin Supplementation in Critically Ill Patients: Emphasis on Thiamine, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D
5. Contact Lens Spectrum — ONLINE PHOTO DIAGNOSIS
6. Frontiers in Medicine — Polymyxin B-induced acute kidney injury in a burn patient: a case report and pharmaceutical care
7. Critical Care (Springer) — Beyond diabetes: harnessing the power of metformin in burn care
8. https://guidance.nattrauma.org/media/wetjtmrg/american-burn-association-clinical-practice-guidelines-on-burn-shock-resuscitation.pdf
9. High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C and Mortality and Organ Dysfunction in Severe Burn Injury: The VICTORY Randomized Clinical Trial | Trials | JAMA | JAMA Network
10. High-Dose Vitamin C in Burns: Time to Stop | Trauma and Injury | JAMA | JAMA Network