Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the major health problems throughout the world. The neonate is immunocompromised with incomplete development of multiple components of the immune system specially quantitative and qualitative deficiencies of the phagocyte systems. Vitamin C helps in eliminating, neutralizing and antagonizing toxins and mediators, by anti-inflammatory substances, and by immunomodulation. Objective: The aim of the study was to reduce the neonatal mortality from infection by using Vitamin C as an adjuvant therapy along with antibiotics. Settings and Design: This Randomized control trial was carried out in Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital during the period 1 April 2013-30th September 2014. Methodology: Neonates of 36 wks. or more gestational age and weighinge 2.5kg, presented with signs and symptoms of sepsis supported by positive CRP and or blood culture were assessed. All study patients were randomly divided into intervention group (Group A) and control group (Group B). In intervention group vitamin C, 100mg/kg was given for two consecutive days. Results: During the study period, total 279 neonates were assessed for eligibility and finally 137(68 in intervention group and 69 in control group) were enrolled after exclusion. There was significant difference in terms of cure (Both clinical and biochemical) was seen in 74.5% in group A and 25.5% in group B.) Mean decrease of CRP level ingroup A was 42.44 (84.94%) mg/dl and in-group B was 14.39 (35.25%). There was statistically significant (P<0.001) decrease in CRP level in Intervention group along with clinical improvement. Conclusion: Vitamin C appears to be effective as an adjuvant therapy in neonatal sepsis. It may be used as adjunct therapy in neonatal sepsis to reduce mortality and morbidity.

Keywords: Vitamin C.; Neonatal Sepsis; Adjuvant.