The Effect of Vitamin C Therapy Towards Malondialdehyde Plasma Content on Chronic Tonsillitis Patients With Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Sleep Apnea Syndrome is a syndrome with an episode of apnea or hypopnea during sleep. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the vitamin C therapy to plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in patients with chronic tonsillitis who have a risk factor of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), measured pre and post-therapy.

METHODS: The design of this study was a clinical trial with pre-test and post-test control group. This study was conducted in Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and Hasanuddin University Teaching Hospital in Makassar and 30 subjects was enrolled (20 subjects were patients with chronic tonsillitis and OSAS, and 10 subjects were control). The measurement of plasma MDA level was obtained using ELISA method. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square test.

RESULTS: The results of this study showed a decreasing level of plasma MDA in patients with chronic tonsillitis and OSAS after the vitamin C therapy. However, there was no significant difference between patients who had not received vitamin C therapy.

CONCLUSION: The intervention of vitamin C in chronic tonsillitis patients and can reduce levels of pl