Parenteral vitamin C relieves chronic fatigue and pain in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and mononeuritis multiplex secondary to CNS vasculitis

Abstract

Preliminary studies have shown parenteral vitamin C to be effective against cancer-related fatigue and herpes zoster-related pain. Our aim was to determine the effects of parenteral vitamin C on chronic fatigue and pain in a patient with multiple morbidities. Here we report on a case of a 47 year old female with rheumatoid arthritis and mononeuritis multiplex, secondary to CNS vasculitis, whose primary symptoms were chronic fatigue, pain and insomnia. Parenteral vitamin C (50 g/session) was administered to this patient and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) and multidimensional fatigue (MFSI-SF) questionnaires were administered before and after treatment. The quality of life questionnaire showed a dramatic improvement in the patient’s global health status, in particular, enhanced physical, role and cognitive functioning. Most notably, dramatic decreases were observed in the patient’s primary symptoms of fatigue, pain and insomnia. The multidimensional fatigue questionnaire indicated decreases in general, physical, emotional and mental fatigue, as well as a doubling of vigour. No adverse events were reported by the patient or her physician following parenteral vitamin C administration. The use of parenteral vitamin C could be considered for the management of chronic fatigue and pain.