A scoping review of the role of ascorbic acid in modifying fluid requirements in the resuscitation phase in burn patients

BACKGROUND: Accurate fluid resuscitation in burn patients is the main therapy in improving clinical outcomes. The standard target is to provide adequate end-organ perfusion, taking into consideration the possible risks of fluid creep and over-resuscitation. Anti-oxidant therapies, especially vitamin C, have been evaluated as an adjuvant therapy in resuscitating burn patients in the acute phase. METHODS: A scoping search in PubMed and Google Scholar was done using the search terms “ascorbic acid” “burn patients”, “vitamin C″, “burn”, and “fluid requirements”. They were either searched individually or in combination. All relevant articles, of any study design (published till mid-October 2021), were included and narratively discussed in this paper. RESULTS: Ten articles were reviewed in this paper. Through these articles, we provided in detail the beneficial effects of vitamin C on burn patients in reducing fluid requirements in the resuscitation phase. Additionally, we summarized the pathophysiology of vitamin C in this entity, shedding light on the potential adverse effects and the importance of conducting similar clinical trials. CONCLUSION: We cannot deny the beneficial effects of vitamin C on burn patients. Therefore, each burn center should conduct clinical trials until reaching, at the end, an evidence-based guideline providing a clear protocol in terms of its administration and dosage, aiming to minimize possible adverse effects.