Outcome Following Vitamin C Administration in Sepsis

A Pilot Study Examining the Efficacy of Vitamin C Administration in Septic Patients.

This study is designed to determine if Vitamin C administration to septic patients will result in an improvement in organ dysfunction which occurs during a septic illness.

Hypothesis: 1. Vitamin C in sepsis will reduce the injury to organs 2. Vitamin C will reduce the length of time on a ventilator, length of stay in the intensive care unit and in hospital.

This study will measure biomarkers of inflammation, coagulation and oxidative stress. These biomarkers have been shown to be increased during periods of oxidative stress eg post-operative, trauma, sepsis. The investigators will determine if Vitamin C administration decreases oxidative stress and as a result, a decrease in the markers of organ dysfunction eg SOFA Scores. Ultimately, if the investigators show a decrease in injury to organs, will this result in a better outcome for patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of severe sepsis
• admitted to the intensive care unit

Exclusion Criteria:

• allergy to Vitamin C
• history of kidney stones
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• history of iron overload/hemochromatosis