RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 BET 3: Vitamin C in severe burns
JF Emergency Medicine Journal
JO Emerg Med J
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine
SP 1017
OP 1018
DO 10.1136/emermed-2012-202054.4
VO 29
IS 12
YR 2012
UL http://emj.bmj.com/content/29/12/1017.abstract
AB A short-cut systematic review was carried out to establish whether high-dose vitamin C can lead to lower fluid requirements, faster recovery and lower mortality in adult patients with burns of over 15% total body surface area (TBSA). Four studies were directly relevant to the question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that preliminary evidence suggests vitamin C can reduce the volume required for fluid resuscitation, improve wound healing and reduce ventilation requirements in patients with severe burns. Further evidence from large trials is required to confirm this promising early evidence.