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Hemodynamic stabilizing effects of L-carnitine in chronic hemodialysis patients

Y Kudoh, S Aoyama, T Torii

    Cardiorenal Medicine
    |January 24, 2014
    PubMed

    Insights

    L-carnitine supplementation improved cardiac function and reduced hypotensive episodes in chronic hemodialysis patients. This suggests L-carnitine may benefit patients with unstable hemodynamics during dialysis.

    Area of Science:

    • Nephrology
    • Cardiology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • The impact of L-carnitine on hemodynamics in chronic hemodialysis patients remains debated.
    • Clarifying L-carnitine's effects on cardiac function and hypotension during dialysis is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the effect of L-carnitine on cardiac function using echocardiography.
    • To assess the reduction in hypotensive episodes during hemodialysis with L-carnitine supplementation.

    Main Methods:

    • A 3-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
    • Twenty stable hemodialysis outpatients were divided into placebo and L-carnitine groups (900 mg daily).
    • Cardiac function and hypotensive episodes were monitored.

    Main Results:

    • L-carnitine significantly increased free and acyl carnitine levels.
    • Ejection fraction improved significantly in the L-carnitine group (p < 0.05).
    • Hypotensive episodes decreased significantly per month in the treated group (p < 0.05).

    Conclusions:

    • L-carnitine demonstrated beneficial effects on the hemodynamic state of hemodialysis patients.
    • Supplementation may be particularly useful for hemodialysis patients experiencing hemodynamic instability.
    Abstract

    Keywords:
    Cardiac functionHemodialysisHypotensionL-Carnitine

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