| [ Summary ] |
The metabolism of L-carnitine, which is an important intermediary in lipid metabolism, is known to be disturbed in end-stage renal failure patients. Free L-carnitine may be deficient in patients who on maintenance hemodialysis, or CAPD, due to its removal by hemopurification treatments, whereas this is not the case in non-dialyzed renal failure patients. The clinical effects and importance of L-carnitine supplementation on patients who are on hemoclialysis or CAPD is still controversial. Nevertheless, it should be attempted in these patients when standard therapy has not been effective. Some reports have suggested that L-carnitine supplementation is beneficial for patients on hemodialysis or CAPD when they have had disturbed lipid metabolism (i.e., hypertriglyceridemia), intradialytic hypotension, muscle cramps and/or cardiomyopathy. |