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Serum carnitine profile changes after open heart surgery in children with CHDs

Wail Ali1, David Rosen2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Critical Care, Riley Children's Health, Indiana University School of Medicinehttps://ror.org/03vzvbw58, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

Cardiology in the Young
|December 17, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study found that children undergoing open-heart surgery experience changes in L-carnitine levels, impacting myocardial metabolism. These carnitine disturbances may affect postoperative cardiac recovery in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • L-carnitine is vital for heart muscle energy production.
  • Depletion of L-carnitine can impair cardiac function.
  • Understanding carnitine metabolism is crucial for managing patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate serum carnitine profiles in young children before and after open-heart surgery.
  • To investigate the relationship between cardiopulmonary bypass and carnitine levels.
  • To assess the clinical implications of perioperative carnitine changes on cardiac recovery.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study of 26 children (<36 months) undergoing elective open-heart surgery.
  • Serum levels of free carnitine and acylcarnitine were measured.
  • Measurements were taken preoperatively and up to 24 hours postoperatively.

Main Results:

  • A significant decrease in free carnitine was observed postoperatively.
  • The acylcarnitine-to-free carnitine ratio increased significantly after surgery.
  • These changes correlated with the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusions:

  • Perioperative alterations in carnitine metabolism occur in children undergoing open-heart surgery.
  • Cardiopulmonary bypass duration influences these metabolic disturbances.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for carnitine in supporting postoperative cardiac function in pediatric patients.

Keywords:
CHDscardiopulmonary bypasscarnitine

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