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

Three patients on regular hemodialysis treatment were perorally supplemented with D.L-carnitine, 900 mg/d, during four weeks. 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, however, in plasma lipoprotein pattern or in variables reflecting plasma lipid transport (lipoprotein lipase activity and intravenous fat tolerance).