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Ascorbic acid requirements in postoperative patients
Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics
|July 1, 1978
Summary
Surgical patients show reduced ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels post-operation. This study suggests increased vitamin C needs and supports supplementation, though its role in wound repair is uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Surgical Nutrition
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is vital for numerous physiological processes.
- Surgical stress may impact nutrient requirements, including vitamin C.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess postoperative ascorbic acid requirements in surgical patients.
- To investigate factors influencing changes in ascorbic acid levels after surgery.
Main Methods:
- Measured buffy layer leukocyte ascorbic acid and leukocyte ascorbic acid content in 63 surgical patients.
- Analyzed correlations between ascorbic acid levels, surgical trauma, blood transfusion volume, and white blood cell counts.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in ascorbic acid levels was observed post-operation.
- Postoperative changes correlated with white blood cell counts, suggesting leukocytosis influences measurements.
- Ascorbic acid requirements authentically increased, with a 42% reduction in leukocyte levels by day three.
Conclusions:
- Surgical patients exhibit increased ascorbic acid requirements post-operation.
- Supplementation with ascorbic acid may be beneficial for surgical patients.
- Postoperative changes in leukocyte ascorbic acid are unlikely to be pathologically significant for wound repair.