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Published on: January 28, 2020
Effect of ascorbic acid on inflammatory markers after cardiothoracic surgery.
Jennifer A Colby1, Wendy T Chen, William L Baker
1Hartford Hospital, CT 06102, USA.
Summary
Ascorbic acid supplementation did not reduce inflammatory markers like CRP, WBC, or fibrinogen after cardiothoracic surgery compared to placebo. Surgical approach (on-pump vs. off-pump) also showed no significant impact on these markers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Inflammation Research
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) often triggers a significant inflammatory response.
- Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, and fibrinogen are commonly monitored post-CTS.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is investigated for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ascorbic acid in mitigating the inflammatory response following cardiothoracic surgery.
- To compare the effects of ascorbic acid versus placebo on key inflammatory markers post-CTS.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted involving patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass graft or valve replacement surgery.
- Participants received either ascorbic acid or a placebo before and after surgery.
- Inflammatory mediators (CRP, WBC, fibrinogen) were measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1-4.
Main Results:
- Ascorbic acid administration did not significantly alter the increase in CRP, WBC count, or fibrinogen levels compared to placebo.
- All measured inflammatory markers showed significant changes from baseline to postoperative levels within each group.
- No significant differences in inflammatory markers were observed between on-pump and off-pump surgical approaches.
Conclusions:
- Ascorbic acid does not appear to attenuate the inflammatory response after cardiothoracic surgery.
- The surgical technique (on-pump versus off-pump) did not significantly influence postoperative CRP, fibrinogen, or WBC counts.
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