Objective Long-term efficacy data for L-carnitine in managing blood ammonia concentration (BAC) and preventing hepatic encephalopathy recurrence remain limited. This multicenter study examined the long-term effects of L-carnitine on BAC, hepatic encephalopathy–related events, and clinical outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods Of 444 patients who received L-carnitine between April 2012 and March 2021, we enrolled 242 patients with hyperammonemia or hepatic encephalopathy (median Child–Pugh score 9) in this retrospective study across four institutions. Results Median BAC decreased from baseline 123 μg/dl to 95.5, 88, 83, 96, and 86 μg/dl at 12, 24, 48, 96, and 192 weeks, respectively (all P 1500 mg/day) achieve more rapid BAC normalization and should be considered for patients with significant hyperammonemia.
Tani et al. (Thu,) studied this question.