Effects of ascorbate on leucocytes: Part IV. Increased neutrophil function and clinical improvement after oral ascorbate in 2 patients with chronic granulomatous disease.

A brother and sister with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) of the autosomal recessive type, and with markedly defective neutrophil motility and elevated serum IgE levels, were treated with a single oral daily dose of 1 g ascorbate for 6 months. Neutrophil function and serum IgE levels were measured repeatedly at approximately monthly intervals. Both children also received prophylactic antibiotics which were always stopped 1 week prior to testing of immune function. Ascorbate treatment was accompanied by significantly increased neutrophil motility and post-phagocytic metabolic activity, and a reduction in serum IgE levels. Enhanced neutrophil function correlated with clinical improvement. Both children have remained free of infection since ascorbate was added to their regimen and have gained weight.