Vitamin C and Thiamine for Sepsis and Septic Shock

Sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Intravenous (IV) vitamin C, thiamine, and hydrocortisone have shown promise in reducing hospital mortality. The Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) similarly implemented this regimen, called the vitamin C protocol, for patients presenting in sepsis or septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU).

This retrospective study in Veteran ICU patients with sepsis or septic shock compared outcomes of patients treated with IV vitamin C, thiamine, and hydrocortisone (treatment) with those who received IV hydrocortisone alone (control). Data was propensity matched to ensure comparability at baseline. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was calculated at day of diagnosis (day 0) and daily for 3 subsequent days. At the 24-month follow-up, 12 months after the 1-year-intervention, survival and measures of mental and physical health were collected by telephone interviews.

Hospital mortality, the primary outcome, did not differ significantly between groups. Secondary outcomes including ICU, 28-day, and 60-day mortality were also not different, nor were vasopressor duration or hospital length of stay. However, ICU length of stay was significantly reduced in the treatment group compared to control (7.1 vs 15.6 days, respectively, P = 0.04).

Although no significant mortality benefit was observed, the vitamin C protocol was not associated with patient harm. In this Veteran population, there was reduced ICU length of stay, suggesting possible benefit. Though further investigation is warranted, utilization of IV vitamin C, thiamine, and hydrocortisone in patients with sepsis or septic shock may be a treatment option worth considering.