Ascorbic Acid Supplementation on D-dimer Levels in COVID-19 Patients

Background: D-dimer is a potential biomarker for COVID-19 severity, correlated with the clinical outcomes and radiological findings. This research investigates the effect of ascorbic acid, an antioxidant and immunomodulator, on D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients. Methods: The research design is prospective, randomized controlled, and conducted from January to March 2021 at Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Tebet, Jakarta. Overall, 150 confirmed COVID-19 patients were randomized into two groups using a computer-generated block randomization technique. The intervention group received high-dose ascorbic acid (2 grams orally every 6 hours for seven days), while the control group received a placebo. Outcomes were assessed in changes in D-dimer levels, clinical severity, and radiological abnormalities. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and logistic regression. Results: The patients treated with ascorbic acid showed a significant reduction in D-dimer levels compared to the placebo group. Additionally, these patients demonstrated notable improvements in clinical severity and radiological outcomes. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated significant reductions in D-dimer levels within the ascorbic acid group (p < 0.001) and significant increases within the placebo group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Ascorbic acid supplementation was associated with lowered D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients, pointing to its potential therapeutic benefits in moderating disease severity. These results strongly support further research into ascorbic acid's benefits during COVID-19, especially for those at increased risk of severe disease progression.