Effects of long-term treatment with L-carnitine on dyslipemia in hemodialysis patients
Dionisio, P.; Bergia, R.; Caramello, E.; Graziola, M.; Valenti, M.; Bajardi, P.; Barbera, L.; Voglino, F.
Minerva Medica 76(6): 229-234
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4806 PMID: 3974937 Document Number: 255395
The effect of long-term intravenous administration of L-carnitine on the lipid pattern of 18 patients on intermittent haemodialysis has been evaluated. Serum levels of carnitine were assayed at the beginning and after 4 months of treatment: no significant change was observed. At the end of our investigation, we found a significant reduction of HDL-cholesterol and a significant increase of triglyceride levels, compared with basal values. On the contrary cholesterol levels did not change. Five of the patients though behaved as responders to the treatment: their triglyceride levels decrease while their carnitine values rose significantly. The Authors discuss the therapeutic importance of L-carnitine and its possible influence on dyslipaemia of uremic haemodialysed patients.