Vitamin C supplementation in kidney failure: Effect on uraemic symptoms

Date

2011

Authors

Singer, Richard

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Abstract

Background. Vitamin C (ascorbate) deficiency and symptoms consistent with deficiency (fatigue, myalgia, dyspnoea, gingivitis, cardiovascular instability and depression) are common in patients with renal failure. This study aimed to determine if supplementation with ascorbate in patients with severe renal failure improved symptoms or cardiovascular stability, or was associated with adverse effects.Methods. The study was a 3-month, double-blind, randomized trial of ascorbic acid 250 mg or matching placebo given thrice weekly. Subjects were clinically stable and either received conventional dialysis or had an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <20 mL/min. Symptoms were measured using the Kidney Dialysis Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF™) symptom subscale, and the study was 80% powered to detect a change of 10 in the KDQOL-SF™.Results. Ninety-nine subjects were randomized, and ascorbate deficiency was present in 40% at baseline. Mean symptom scores at follow-up were similar in the two groups (P-value = 0.19). There was a trend to slightly worse nausea scores in the ascorbate group after controlling for the level of baseline nausea (P = 0.09), and there was no impact on cardiovascular stability. Compliance appeared adequate at 91%, and deficiency was corrected in most (85%) of the subjects in the active treatment group.Conclusions. This study indicates that ascorbate supplementation does not improve symptoms or cardiovascular stability in those with severe renal impairment, but is associated with a trend towards worse nausea.

Description

Keywords

Keywords: ascorbic acid; placebo; aged; article; ascorbic acid deficiency; cardiovascular effect; dialysis; double blind procedure; drug efficacy; drug safety; female; follow up; glomerulus filtration rate; human; kidney failure; major clinical study; male; nausea; ascorbic acid; hypotension; kidney failure; quality of life; renal dialysis

Citation

Source

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

License Rights

Restricted until

2037-12-31
Back to topicon-arrow-up-solid
 
APRU
IARU
 
edX
Group of Eight Member

Acknowledgement of Country

The Australian National University acknowledges, celebrates and pays our respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people of the Canberra region and to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.


Contact ANUCopyrightDisclaimerPrivacyFreedom of Information

+61 2 6125 5111 The Australian National University, Canberra

TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C ABN: 52 234 063 906