Vitamin C supplementation in cardiopulmonary bypass: a review

Abstract

Hypovitaminosis C is frequent in postoperative period of surgical patients and may last for several days after surgery. The reestablishment of normal plasma ascorbate (vitamin C) levels by supplementation requires intravenous administration, which is safe and well tolerated. This antioxidant mitigates the oxidative damage produced by the insults of surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass and ischemia-reperfusion event. Ascorbate supplementation after cardiac surgery improves patient oxidative state, shortens hospital stay, streamlines wound closure and reduces incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. However, we think this vitamin may offer yet other benefits, especially in cardiac surgery postoperative period. The aim of this review is to evaluate recent studies on vitamin C supplementation in surgical patients, focusing on cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and to discuss the next steps regarding the potential benefits that can be obtained from the implementation of this conduct in the hospital routine.