Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition
Published on: September 20, 2019
Late onset primary systemic carnitine deficiency exacerbated by carnitine-free parenteral nutrition
A L Buchman1, H V Vinters, S Diethelm
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterolgy/Nutrition, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Abstract:
We describe a 21-year-old male with previously normal plasma total and free carnitine levels who developed a deficiency manifest by decreased plasma and muscle total and free carnitine, decreased urine carnitine, severe hepatic steatosis, mediastinal lipomatosis, progressively impaired triglyceride clearance, myopathy and intermittent hypoglycemia. This case demonstrates that systemic carnitine deficiency may occur in some patients receiving long term carnitine-free TPN. Carnitine may be an essential element of the diet in this patient population.
Related Concept Videos
Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Lysosomal Hydrolases
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management