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Beneficial effects of L-carnitine in dialysis patients with impaired left ventricular function: an observational
G F Romagnoli1, A Naso, G Carraro
1Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Padua Hospital, Italy.
Insights
L-carnitine supplementation improved cardiac function in dialysis patients with left ventricular dysfunction. This therapy also reduced erythropoietin dosage and enhanced overall clinical status.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nephrology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Dialysis patients often have cardiovascular diseases and impaired left ventricular function.
- L-carnitine has shown potential in improving clinical status and reducing erythropoietin needs in these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of L-carnitine on cardiac function and clinical status in dialysis patients with left ventricular dysfunction.
- To assess changes in left ventricular ejection fraction and erythropoietin dosage.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving 11 dialysis patients with ejection fraction < 45%.
- Treatment with L-carnitine for 8 months, with echocardiography performed bi-monthly.
- Monitoring of erythropoietin dosage and clinical status via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- L-carnitine increased mean left ventricular ejection fraction from 32.0% to 41.8% (p < 0.05).
- A slight reduction in erythropoietin dosage was observed.
- Improvements in the patients' overall clinical status were noted.
Conclusions:
- Eight months of L-carnitine therapy can improve left ventricular function in dialysis patients.
- L-carnitine supplementation appears beneficial for the clinical status of dialysis patients with impaired left ventricular function.
Background:
Recent studies have shown that L-carnitine may improve clinical status and reduce the need for erythropoietin in dialysis patients with cardiovascular diseases. In this observational study, we investigated whether the addition of L-carnitine to conventional therapy might improve cardiac function (as assessed by M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography) and clinical status in dialysis patients with left ventricular dysfunction.
Methods:
Eleven dialysis patients with reduced left ventricular function (EF < 45%) were treated with L-carnitine for 8 months. Two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography was performed at baseline and every 2 months up to the end of the treatment period. The dosage of erythropoietin was also monitored during the study and the patients' clinical status was assessed by a questionnaire.
Results:
Carnitine increased mean LV ejection fraction from 32.0% to 41.8% (p < 0.05 vs baseline). There was also a slight reduction of erythropoietin dosage and an improvement of clinical status.
Conclusions:
Eight months' therapy with carnitine appears to improve LV function and clinical status in dialysis patients with impaired LVF.