Abstract
Introduction: Nephrotoxicity remains a major long-standing concern for colistin, and it is critical to find agents that can prevent it. The present study aims to investigate the effect of vitamin E on the prevention of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity based on its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was designed for 52 patients taking colistin. These patients were categorized into two groups of equal size, receiving colistin or colistin plus vitamin E (α-Tocopherol). Vitamin E with doses of 400 units was administrated daily either orally or by a nasogastric tube if needed. The incidence of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and its duration was recorded based on RIFLE criteria.
Results: The Incidence of AKI based on RIFLE criteria was 42.3% and 46.2% in intervention and control groups, respectively. The analysis showed no significant difference in the prevalence of AKI for the two groups (P = 0.78). There was no significant difference in the duration of AKI neither (P = 0.83).
Conclusion: Although vitamin E is a powerful biological antioxidant, the effects of Vitamin E prophylaxis on colistin-induced nephrotoxicity was not taken into consideration in this study.