Conclusions Our meta- analysis indicates that vitamin C may prevent post-operative atrial fibrillation in some countries outside of the USA , and it may also shorten the duration of hospital stay and ICU stay of cardiac surgery patients .
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is safe and inexpensive .
Background Atrial fibrillation ( AF ) , a common arrhythmia contributing substantially to cardiac morbidity , is associated with oxidative stress and , being an antioxidant , vitamin C might influence it .
Impact of Vitamin C Supplementation on Post-Cardiac Surgery ICU and Hospital Length of Stay
Background : Prolonged intensive care unit ( ICU ) and hospital stay after cardiac surgery is vitally important and is influenced by both intraoperative and postoperative factors . Objectives : This r and omized clinical trial study was design ed to assess whether vitamin C supplementation could reduce the length of ICU and hospital stay in post-cardiac surgery patients . Patients and Methods : Two hundred and ninety patients scheduled for adult cardiac surgery including coronary , valve and congenital operations were r and omized into two groups : an intervention group , who received 2 g of vitamin C ( ascorbic acid ) intravenously , immediately before surgery in the operating theatre , followed by 1 g daily oral doses for the first 4 postoperative days ; and a placebo group , who received an equal number of identical tablets in the same shape and size . Results : Hospital length of stay was significantly different between the two groups ( 10.17 ± 4.63 days in the intervention group vs. 12 ± 4.51 days in the placebo group ; P = 0.01 ) , while there was no significant difference in the ICU stay between the groups ( 3.42 ± 1.06 days in intervention group vs. 3.43 ± 1.09 days in the placebo group ; P = 0.88 ) . There were significant differences in the intubation time and the drainage volume in the ICU and the first 24 postoperative hours between the two groups ( P for both = 0.003 ) . Conclusions : Vitamin C can decrease the length of hospital stay , drainage volume in the ICU and in the first 24 postoperative hours , intubation time and some complications in patients after cardiac surgery ; perhaps by decreasing inflammatory factors
Conclusions Our meta- analysis indicates that vitamin C may prevent post-operative atrial fibrillation in some countries outside of the USA , and it may also shorten the duration of hospital stay and ICU stay of cardiac surgery patients .
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is safe and inexpensive .
Background Atrial fibrillation ( AF ) , a common arrhythmia contributing substantially to cardiac morbidity , is associated with oxidative stress and , being an antioxidant , vitamin C might influence it .