Is Vitamin C or HAT Therapy Effective in Treating Sepsis? A Mini Review

Abstract

Background: One of the most common causes of mortality in critical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is sepsis. In recent years, the administration of high doses of vitamin C and HAT (hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid and thiamine) therapy has attracted much attention in patients with sepsis. Objectives: The current article reviews the beneficial effects of HAT therapy in light of research conducted in this area. Methods: A general search for electronic databases was developed. The human studies of the influence of HAT therapy in critically ill patients were evaluated. Results: The results indicated that HAT therapy may improve clinical outcome in septic patients; however, widespread use of these therapeutic approaches in sepsis requires large clinical trials in order to more confidently recommend this therapeutic approach in septic patients admitted to intensive care units. Conclusions: HAT therapy may improve clinical outcome in septic critically ill patients.