Abstract
- Background
Community-acquired pneumonia ($\text{CAP}$) poses a significant global health challenge, prompting exploration of innovative treatments. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin C supplementation in adults undergoing treatment for $\text{CAP}$.
- Methods
A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to 17 November 2023 identified six randomized controlled trials ($\text{RCTs}$) meeting inclusion criteria.
- Results
The primary outcome analysis revealed a non-significant trend towards reduced overall mortality in the vitamin C group compared to controls ($\text{RR} = 0.51$, $95\%\text{ CI} = 0.24\text{ to }1.09$, $p = 0.052$, $I^2 = 0\%$, $p = 0.65$). Sensitivity analysis, excluding coronavirus disease 2019 ($\text{COVID-19}$) studies and considering the route of vitamin C administration, confirmed this trend. Secondary outcomes, including hospital length of stay ($\text{LOS}$), intensive care unit ($\text{ICU}$) $\text{LOS}$, and mechanical ventilation, exhibited mixed results. Notably, heterogeneity and publication bias were observed in hospital $\text{LOS}$ analysis, necessitating cautious interpretation. Adverse effects were minimal, with isolated incidents of nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and tachycardia reported.
- Conclusions
This meta-analysis suggests potential benefits of vitamin C supplementation in $\text{CAP}$ treatment. However, inconclusive findings and methodological limitations warrant cautious interpretation, emphasizing the urgency for high-quality trials to elucidate the true impact of vitamin C supplementation in $\text{CAP}$ management.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11116443/