Saving erythropoietin by administering l-carnitine?

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Abstract
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) is widely used for correction of anaemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In some countries, the cost of rhEpo treatment accounts for up to 10% of total costs for chronic haemodialysis treatment. There is, therefore, a strong incentive to reduce the rhEpo requirement in dialysis patients by ancillary measures. Strategies with proven efficacy to reduce rhEpo requirement include: iron supplementation, subcutaneous mode of administration (compared with i.v. administration), correction of hyperparathyroidism, treatment of infections and correction of aluminium intoxication.