Parenteral ascorbic acid in haemodialysis patients

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Toxicology

Background:

• Vitamin C deficiency is common in haemodialysis patients.
• Oral vitamin C supplementation is often ineffective due to poor absorption.
• Parenteral administration is necessary for adequate vitamin C delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of parenteral ascorbic acid in haemodialysis patients.
• To discuss the toxicological aspects of parenteral vitamin C.
• To evaluate vitamin C's role in managing complications of haemodialysis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on parenteral ascorbic acid in haemodialysis.
• Analysis of clinical findings regarding vitamin C supplementation.
• Discussion of toxicological data and patient monitoring.

Main Results:

• Parenteral vitamin C effectively corrects deficiency in haemodialysis patients.
• It improves recombinant human erythropoietin resistance and prevents iron deficiency anaemia.
• High doses (e.g., 500 mg thrice weekly) are required, necessitating plasma oxalate monitoring to prevent hyperoxaluria.

Conclusions:

• Parenteral ascorbic acid is a viable strategy for vitamin C deficiency in haemodialysis.
• It addresses iron overload, erythropoietin resistance, and chronic inflammation.
• Careful monitoring for hyperoxaluria is crucial.