Conclusion
critically ill, acidosis, septic shock, hypernatremia, hemolysis
CRITICALLY ILL, ACIDOSIS, SEPTIC SHOCK, HYPERNATREMIA, HEMOLYSIS
In a pilot, double-blind, randomized, and controlled study of septic shock patients, a single mega-dose of NaAscorbate increased cumulative urine output, decreased vasopressor requirements, and lowered SOFA scores over time. Moreover, it markedly increased plasma ascorbate to 30-fold greater levels than previously reported in critically ill patients. Finally, it achieved these physiological changes without inducing acidosis or urinary oxalate crystal formation. However, it also modestly increased sodium levels and did not lower the levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Also, NaAscorbate may have contributed to hypernatremia and hemolysis in one patient. Further cautious investigations of this novel intervention appear justified.