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[Experiences with L-carnitine in the post-stress phase]
Infusionstherapie Und Klinische Ernahrung
|October 1, 1986
Summary
Carnitine supplementation in multiple injured patients enhanced fatty acid oxidation, indicated by lower free fatty acids and higher alpha-hydroxy-butyrate. However, it did not reduce overall catabolism or improve carbohydrate metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic Research
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Multiple injured patients often experience metabolic disturbances.
- Carnitine plays a crucial role in fatty acid metabolism.
- Investigating carnitine's impact on metabolism in trauma is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of carnitine supplementation on metabolic parameters in multiple injured patients.
- To assess carnitine's influence on fatty acid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized, double-blind study in 24 multiple injured patients.
- Combined parenteral-enteral nutrition for 7 days.
- Carnitine (60 mg/kg BW) administered via continuous infusion to the treatment group; various metabolic markers analyzed.
Main Results:
- Increased plasma acetyl-carnitine and urinary acetyl-carnitine excretion in the carnitine group.
- Markedly lower plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and elevated alpha-hydroxy-butyrate, indicating increased fatty acid oxidation.
- No significant differences in carbohydrate metabolism; slight increase in urea production and augmented urinary alpha-aminonitrogen excretion.
Conclusions:
- Carnitine supplementation enhances fatty acid oxidation in multiple injured patients.
- Carnitine administration does not improve carbohydrate metabolism or reduce overall catabolism.
- Increased urinary excretion of alpha-aminonitrogen may be due to carnitine's amino acid nature or renal tubular effects.