Evaluation of the Effects of Vitamin C Supplementation on the Incidence of Postoperative Complications Following Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: The investigation of vitamin C supplementation in reducing postoperative complications after cardiac surgery holds significant clinical relevance, given the persistent morbidity, prolonged recovery, and increased healthcare costs linked to such adverse events. By targeting oxidative stress and inflammation—central mechanisms underlying many postoperative complications—vitamin C may provide a simple, cost-effective adjunct to current perioperative management, potentially improving patient outcomes and optimizing resource utilization in cardiac surgical care.Material and methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effect of perioperative vitamin C supplementation on postoperative complications in adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Eligible patients were recruited consecutively, randomized via sealed envelopes, and given either vitamin C or placebo in a blinded fashion. Data analysis followed intention-to-treat principles, and ethical approval and informed consent were obtained for all participants, ensuring rigor and patient safety throughout the study.Results: This comparative table highlights that postoperative delirium in cardiac surgery patients is significantly associated with several adverse clinical factors. Patients with delirium had lower LVEF, longer operation and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) durations, greater bleeding volume, extended mechanical ventilation, and prolonged ICU stays, all with highly significant p-values.Conclusion: this study confirms that delirium affects a substantial proportion of cardiac surgery patients and is closely associated with multiple markers of cardiac dysfunction, surgical complexity, and postoperative instability.

Keywords:

vitamin C supplementation , Postoperative complications , Cardiac Surgery