Vasopressor dependent shock: Intravenous vitamin C versus placebo on vasopressor use. The VALENCIA study

This study (the VALENCIA study) tests whether giving high doses of intravenous (IV) vitamin C can reduce the amount of vasopressor drugs (medications that raise dangerously low blood pressure) needed in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). When people are severely ill from infections, cardiac arrest, pancreatitis, or trauma, blood pressure can drop to life-threatening levels. Research shows vitamin C levels fall dramatically during these illnesses, and vitamin C plays key roles in protecting organs. This study tests whether replacing it can help patients recover and need less blood pressure support. You may be eligible if: - You are in the ICU and require high-dose vasopressor drugs (noradrenaline and/or adrenaline at 600 mcg/hr or more) - The need for vasopressors is due to a systemic inflammatory condition (such as sepsis, cardiac arrest, pancreatitis, or trauma) - Your doctor has confirmed you are not simply volume-depleted (dehydrated) You may NOT be eligible if: - You are receiving vasopressors to raise blood pressure to artificially high targets - You have had spinal or epidural anaesthesia - You have a known G-6PD enzyme deficiency - You are already enrolled in another vitamin C study or are receiving vitamin C supplements for another reason - Your expected survival is less than 12 hours - You are pregnant Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.