l-carnitine in critically ill patients—a case series study

Backgroundl-carnitine is essential for lipid metabolism, and lack of l-carnitine intake and loss by treatments lead to carnitine depletion causing muscle weakness, anemia, and immune dysfunction. Carnitine depletion occurs in critically ill patients after long treatments, but its epidemiology or the risk factors remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of l-carnitine depletion in critically ill patients.MethodsSixty-four patients were enrolled for the study. Total and free l-carnitine concentrations (t- and f-Carnitine) were measured at ICU admission and every 7 days afterward during hospitalization. Acylcarnitine- to f-Carnitine ratio (A/F Carnitine ratio) was analyzed in a subgroup of patients treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Acylcarnitine concentration was calculated as the difference between t- and f-Carnitine concentrations.ResultsCarnitine deficiency (f-Carnitine