The Use of Hydrocortisone, Ascorbic Acid and Thiamine in Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock - A Systematic Review

Background: Sepsis and septic shock are associated with enormous mortality and health care burden. Since the study of Marik et al suggested mortality benefit, there has been great interest in evaluating the role of hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid and thiamine (HAT therapy) in sepsis and septic shock. Purpose: The objective of this article is to review current literature of using HAT therapy in sepsis and septic shock, and discuss the findings in hospital mortality, change in 72 hr SOFA score, other outcomes, and the study limitations. Research Design: Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane) were screened using predefined search terms ascorbic acid, vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B1, hydrocortisone, sepsis, septic shock. Study Sample: Data extracted from eligible studies include authors, publication year, sample size, study design, intervention, outcome measures and study results. Each study was reviewed critically. Results: Among 11 studies included in this literature review, 3 studies reported HAT therapy was associated with mortality benefit, 1 reported hospital mortality was significantly higher in HAT group and the rest of studies didn't reach statistical significance in mortality analysis. Significant improvement of secondary outcomes, although not consistently, were reported. Conclusions: In conclusion, HAT therapy has demonstrated a good safety profile and potential benefits in management of sepsis and septic shock. Further research is required to confirm these findings.