The effect of high-dose vitamin C on renal functions in COVID–19 patients

Abstract

Background: With its important properties, Vitamin C has been used in several diseases and sepsis. COVID-19 may cause sepsis, and therefore high dose Vitamin C has been integrated to the treatment protocols.Concerning the potential risk of oxalate nephropaty related with the use of long term or high dose Vitamin C, we retrospectively evaluated the COVID-19 patients treated with the high dose intravenous Vitamin C, in terms of kidney dysfunction. Material and Method: Critically ill COVID-19 patients who were given Vitamin C 45-50 gr/day/5 days (Group C, n=21), and the ones who did not (Group NC, n=22) along with the hydroxychloroquine- favipiravir treatment were compared in terms of developing renal dysfunction within the 15 days of ICU stay. Results: There were no difference in the development of renal dysfunction between the groups with and without Vitamin C treatment (p>0.05). But when the patients who had KDIGO stage 1 kidney damage on admission, and had worsening renal dysfunction during ICU stay were excluded, patients groups were more similar and the development of the renal failure was significantly more in Vitamin C group(p<0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that when administering high dose parenteral Vitamin C, kidney functions should be carefully assessed.