Analysis of Serum Vitamin C Level Prescribing 1,000 mg of Vitamin C Daily in Major Burn Patient

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an well known antioxidant capable of scavenging oxygen free radicals. However, suitable amount of vitamin C level in major burn patients is not established until now. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum level of vitamin C with prescribing 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily to the burn patients in the burn intensive care unit. METHODS: A total of thirty eight patients were enrolled retrospectively from August 2010 to March 2011 admitted to Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital Burn Center, Hallym University. The patients were divided by TBSA (total burn surface area), ABSI (abbreviated burn severity index), and the discharge state whether they survived or not. We checked the serum vitamin C level with prescribing 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the patients groups in their serum vitamin C level. However, the serum vitamin C level was below the normal range in the all patients groups. CONCLUSION: Higher daily dosage of vitamin C than 1,000 mg should be considered to major burn patients.