Vitamin C fluid resuscitation protocol at the Western Cape Tertiary Adult Burn Unit

Abstract

The severe metabolic responses to injury in trauma patients are well known. This response is known to be accentuated in the burns patient. These responses are, in part, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species. ROS in abundance are known to lead to endothelial dysfunction. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, has been shown in high doses to improve the outcome of the severely burned patient and the septic patient. In this article we discuss the rationale for our vitamin C protocol.