The Effect of D,L-Carnitine Supplementation on Muscle Metabolism, Neuropathy, Cardiac and Hepatic Function in Hemodialysis Patients

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Abstract
Three patients on regular hemodialysis treatment were perorally supplemented with DL-carnitine, 900 mg/day, for 4 wk. Before treatment, muscle carnitine concentrations were low and the patients showed signs of hypometabolism in skeletal muscle, cardiomyopathy, impaired hepatic function and a moderate hyperlipoproteinemia. After treatment, the skeletal muscle metabolism normalized. The results further indicate improvement of the cardiac and hepatic function and of the neuropathy on the sensory side. No improvement was found in plasma lipoprotein pattern or in variables reflecting plasma lipid transport (lipoprotein lipase activity and i.v. fat tolerance).