Impact of Ascorbic Acid on Post-Cardiothoracic Surgery Inflammation

The Impact of Ascorbic Acid Therapy on Inflammatory Mediators in Cardiothoracic Surgery Patients: The Atrial Fibrillation Suppression Trial IV (AFIST IV) Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to see if ascorbic acid (Vitamin-C) therapy will reduce inflammation following heart surgery.

Atrial Fibrillation is a significant cause of morbidity following cardiothoracic surgery. Despite prophylactic therapy with beta-blockers and amiodarone, post-operative atrial fibrillation occurs in approximately 22% of patients. We believe that by reducing the inflammation that is caused during CTS, we can see further improvements without any negative effects on hemodynamics. Ascorbic acid, a free radical scavenger has been found to lower inflammation mediators but never in a CTS population. This study will help determine the affect of ascorbic acid on the inflammation associated with CTS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cardiothoracic surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Prior hypersensitivity to ascorbic acid
• Renal Calculi