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High-dose vitamin C for critically ill burn patients

VItamin C in Thermal injuRY: The VICToRY Trial A Phase III Multi-center Randomized Trial

Phase 3 Interventional Clinical Evaluation Research Unit at Kingston General Hospital · NCT04138394

This study is testing if high-dose vitamin C can help critically ill burn patients recover better and live longer compared to those who receive standard care alone.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment666 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorClinical Evaluation Research Unit at Kingston General Hospital Academic / other
Locations34 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 33 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04138394 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effects of high-dose intravenous vitamin C on critically ill patients with severe burns. Participants will receive either vitamin C or a placebo in addition to standard care, with the aim of reducing organ dysfunction and improving survival rates. The study will be conducted across multiple centers internationally, making it one of the largest trials of its kind. The primary outcome will assess the rate of persistent organ dysfunction and all-cause mortality over a 28-day period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with deep second or third-degree burns covering at least 20% of their total body surface area.

Not a fit: Patients who are moribund or have severe comorbidities that preclude survival are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve recovery and survival rates for patients with severe burns.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of severe burns, previous studies have suggested potential benefits of vitamin C in critical illness, indicating a promising area of exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Deep 2nd and/or 3rd degree burns requiring skin grafting
* Minimum burn size of ≥ 20% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA)

Exclusion Criteria:

* \>24 hours from admission to participating hospital to consent.
* Patients admitted to burn unit \>24 from injury or accident.
* Patients who are moribund (not expected to survive the next 72 hours).
* Pregnancy (pregnancy will be ruled out as part of standard of care) or lactating.
* Enrollment in another industry sponsored ICU intervention study.
* Receiving high-dose IV vitamin C already (enteral or oral vitamin C is allowed).
* Known glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
* Recent history of kidney stones (within the last year).
* Concomitant use of hydroxycobalamin (vitamin B12) for suspected cyanide poisoning.

Where this trial is running

Phoenix, Arizona and 33 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions ShockThermal Burn
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.