Zusammenfassung
Die Sepsis ist eine häufige und schwere Erkrankung mit vielfältigen pathophysiologischen
Veränderungen. Wiederholt wurde versucht, mit neuen Therapieansätzen den Verlauf der
Sepsis positiv zu beeinflussen. Als neue Therapieoption rückte in den letzten Jahren
Vitamin C in den Fokus der Sepsisforschung. Ob Vitamin C diese Hoffnungen erfüllen
kann, soll in diesem Beitrag erläutert werden.
Abstract
Vitamin C deficiency often occurs in critical illness and especially in patients with
sepsis. Low plasma levels correlate with organ dysfunction and outcome parameters.
Vitamin C offers pleiotropic effects possibly attenuating pathophysiology in sepsis.
This includes antioxidative effects like scavenging reactive oxygen species or restoring
other antioxidants. Vitamin C is a cofactor for norepinephrine biosynthesis and it
protects endothelial function. In addition, it modulates immune response. A combined
therapy with vitamin C, hydrocortisone and thiamine could be beneficial because of
synergistic effects. Some clinical studies have shown reduced mortality due to vitamin
C alone or in combination with hydrocortisone and thiamine, others do not. Adverse
events are rare. So data supporting a therapy with vitamin C is still unclear. Further
randomised controlled trials are necessary.
Schlüsselwörter
Vitamin C - Ascorbinsäure - Sepsis - septischer Schock - Hydrokortison - Thiamin
Key words
vitamine C - ascorbic acid - sepsis - septic shock - hydrocortisone - thiamine