High-Dose Vitamin C Could Pose Risk in Severe Burns - Summary - MDSpire

High-Dose Vitamin C Could Pose Risk in Severe Burns

“High-dose intravenous vitamin C administered early after injury did not reduce organ dysfunction or [mortality] and should not be a treatment in severe burns.”

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • June 12, 2026

  • 3 min

Share

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of high-dose intravenous vitamin C on mortality and persistent organ dysfunction in patients with severe burn injuries.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • 41% of patients receiving high-dose vitamin C experienced the primary outcome compared to 30% in the placebo group.
    • Adjusted risk ratio crossed the futility/harm threshold, leading to trial termination.
    • 28-day mortality was 15% in the vitamin C group versus 8% in the placebo group.
    • No improvement in time to discharge alive from the hospital or persistent organ dysfunction-free days with vitamin C treatment.
    • No evidence of benefit in any prespecified subgroup analysis.
    Interpretation:

    High-dose intravenous vitamin C did not reduce organ dysfunction or mortality in patients with severe burns.

    Limitations:
    • The study was terminated early due to futility.
    • Findings may not be generalizable beyond the studied population.
    Conclusion:

    High-dose intravenous vitamin C should not be considered a treatment for severe burns.

    Sources:

Original Source(s)

High-Dose Vitamin C Could Pose Risk in Severe Burns

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • June 12, 2026

Related Content

What Factors Influence CTS Surgery Decisions in Black Patients?

Qualitative interviews suggested that physician relationships, community experiences, and economic concerns may contribute to treatment decisions alongside symptom severity.

When Bad Data Enters the Drug Pipeline

Federal prosecutors allege that a Florida physician and research staff fabricated clinical trial records that were submitted into database systems used to evaluate investigational drugs.

Congo Ebola Outbreak Strains Care Delivery

“We live with fear in our stomachs"