Plasma and liver carnitine status of children with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis

Background : Carnitine is an essential cofactor in the transfer of long‐chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for oxidation. As its synthesis is performed in the liver, alterations in carnitine metabolism is expected in liver diseases, especially in cirrhosis. Methods : In this study, we investigated plasma and liver carnitine concentrations of 68 children with chronic liver disease, 36 of whom had cirrhosis as well. Carnitine level was determined by enzymatic method. Results : Plasma and liver carnitine concentrations were not correlated. Mean plasma carnitine level of cirrhotic children was significantly lower than that of the control group (P0.05), mean plasma level of cirrhotics were lower (P