Effects of L-carnitine infusions on inflammatory and nutritional markers in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Carnitine loss through dialysis membranes is shown to be related to the lack of carnitine in long-term haemodialysis patients. It has been previously reported that haemodialysis patients might have benefited from carnitine supplementation. METHODS: A total of 21 chronic haemodialysis patients maintaining carnitine supplementation and 21 controls (haemodialysis patients not receiving carnitine) were included in the study. L-carnitine was used intravenously three times a week after each haemodialysis session, at a 20 mg/kg dose. C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profile, transferrin, total protein and albumin levels were determined at baseline after 3 and 6 months of treatment, and compared with the control group. RESULTS: CRP levels were significantly decreased in carnitine group in contrast to the increase in the control group. Transferrin, total protein and albumin levels and body mass index (BMI) of the patients rose in the carnitine group. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant benefit of L-carnitine on CRP, transferrin, total protein and albumin levels of the haemodialysis patients.