The vitamin C, thiamine and steroids (VICTAS) in sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis is organ failure caused by an infection. It is one of the leading causes of in-hospital mortality worldwide. Standard treatment uses broadspectrum antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and vasopressor support in resistant hypotensive patients. Nevertheless, high morbidity and mortality rates in severe sepsis and septic shock have led to the search for new treatment modalities. In this review, we discuss the effects of intravenous ascorbic acid (vitamin C), thiamine (vitamin B1) and steroid treatment in addition to standard treatment in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.