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

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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

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