Endocrine-metabolic effects of l-carnitine in patients on regular dialysis treatment.

Abstract

Twenty-three patients on regular dialysis treatment (RDT) were given 1-carnitine orally or in dialysate for six months. All patients remained in a stable biochemical state; hyperlipidaemia was reduced with an increase in HDL-cholesterol. Hormonal pattern was unmodified. Serum and muscle carnitine and acetylcarnitine constantly increased. L-carnitine in RDT, by restoring tissue reserves, improves metabolic alterations without any side-effects.