A Systematic Review on the Efficacy of High Dose Intravenous Ascorbic Acid as an Ad- junct Therapy in Shortening Hospital Stay in Pediatric Burn Patients

A Systematic Review on the Efficacy of High Dose Intravenous Ascorbic Acid as an Ad- junct Therapy in Shortening Hospital Stay in Pediatric Burn Patients

Background: The benefits of high dose intravenous ascorbic acid were proven effective in treating adults with severe burns. This aids in the reduction of reactive oxygen species and attenuates the phase of increased vascular permeability. Objective: This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of high dose intravenous ascorbic acid in shortening length of stay in pediatric burn patients. Methods: Databases were searched for studies where high dose intravenous ascorbic acid was given for resuscitation of pe- diatric burn patients. The predefined primary outcome included length of stay. Results and conclusions: High dose intravenous ascorbic acid may be used in adolescents 15-18 years of age with severe burns. This may lead to less volume requirement, less weight gain, increased urine output, and less ventilator days which may be indirect mea- sures of shorter length of stay. In-hospital mortality was also reduced in one retrospec- tive study, deemed significant for its large sample size but tagged as having lower quality of evidence. Prospective studies must be performed to determine the potential of high dose intravenous ascorbic acid as a standard in pediatric burn care and eventually con- tribute to a significant reduction in mortality rate.

Shortening length of stay in pediatric burn patients