The Effects of Supplemental Vitamin C in Mandibular Fracture Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Abstract
Vitamin C is an oxidative stress mediator and essential cofactor in wound healing. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical and biochemical effects of vitamin C supplementation on outcomes in patients undergoing mandibular fracture repair. We also aimed to evaluate the effects of sociodemographic, fracture, and treatment characteristics on post-operative clinical outcomes in these patients. The investigators conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial at Two Metropolitan, Level 1 Trauma Centers to prospectively evaluate the effects of vitamin C vs. placebo in a mandibular fracture population stratified by smoking and fracture status (open vs. closed). The study was conducted at two safety-net hospitals, enrolling a cohort of heavily underserved patients. Forty-five subjects were evaluated. We found decreased overall post-operative complications, decreased wound infection, and some improved bone healing outcomes in the vitamin C group compared to placebo, however, none of these outcomes reached statistical significance. Vitamin C intervention showed a signal of improved clinical and biological wound healing which was not statistically significant. Additionally, significant associations between patient characteristics and post-operative outcomes were identified. Older subjects and those with co-existent trauma were more likely to have increased healthcare utilization, and increased time from injury to surgery was significantly…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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