title: Ascorbic acid supplementation in the treatment of pressure-sores.
abstract: In a prospective double-blind controlled trial the effect of large doses of ascorbic acid on the healing of pressure-sores has been assessed. 20 surgical patients were studied, the pressure areas being assessed by serial photography and ulcer tracings. The mean ascorbic-acid levels in treated and non-treated groups one month after the start of treatment were 65.6 and 25.8 mug per 10-8 white blood-cells. In the group treated with ascorbic acid there was a mean reduction in pressure-sore area of 84% after one month compared with 42.7% in the placebo group. These findings are statistically significant (P less than 0.005) and suggest that ascorbic acid may accelerate the healing of pressure-sores.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001206:Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / Q000150:complications; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000601:surgery; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000150:complications; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D001205:Ascorbic Acid