Clinical investigation of intravenous multiple-low-dose L-carnitine in hemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the predialysis and postdialysis plasma concentrations in hemodialysis patients during multiple-low-dose administration of L-carnitine.METHODS Intravenous L-carnitine in hemodialysis patients after each dialysis session in a doseage of 1 g for 8 weeks.The FC level in plasma、dialysate was determined by enzymatic UV test before and after administration of L-carnitine.RESULTS within single hemodialysis session,plasma L-carnitine level decreased by approximately 50%-70%.During repeated administration of L-carnitine,the plasma L-carnitine level increased steadily,reaching a steady state after 8 weeks.CONCLUSION Patients undergoing long-time hemodialysis had plasma L-carnitine level lower than normal.Intravenous multiple-low-dose L-carnitine in hemodialysis patients could improve the dialysis-related carnitine deficiency.