P1588CAN L-CARNITINE SUPPLEMENTATION IMPROVE CARDIOPULMONARY FUNCTION? A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims It is well known that L-Carnitine is a cardioprotective agent, which balances cardiac energy metabolism, by promoting mitochondrial β-oxidation and facilitating transport of long chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix. It has been shown that L-Carnitine level in plasma and tissue is lower in hemodialysis patients and they may lose the benefits of this substance. As far as our knowledge, the effect of L-Carnitine on cardiopulmonary function has not been evaluated by ergospirometry up to now. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to assess the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on cardiopulmonary Function in hemodialysis patients through ergospirometry. Method This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 46 chronic hemodialysis patients. The patients were divided into two groups. In both groups ergospirometry parameters (VE Max, VO2-Max, VCO2 Max, AT, VE/VCO2 Slope) were recorded for a 3-month period. During this period, one group received L-Carnitine at doses of 2 gr/day orally and the other group received only placebo. After three months, all of the mentioned parameters were rechecked and statistical analysis performed by SPSS software. Results Only CRP was different between the two groups increasing in placebo group significantly after 3 months (P = 0.018). No significant difference was detected in Cardiopulmonary factors. In terms of ergospirometry factors, PET-CO2 was the only parameter significantly increased in the treatment group (P = 0.026). Conclusion The present results indicate that L-Carnitine can improve cardiopulmonary function among hemodialysis patients.