Effect of carnitine supplementation on inflammatory biomarker in hemodialysis patients.

Objective: To determine the effect of carnitine supplementation on Inflammatory biomarker (C reactive protein) in hemodialysis patients. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial. Setting: JPMC Hospital, Karachi and PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi. Period: 01-12-2022 to 30-04-2023. Methods: The hemodialysis patients were selected from the dialysis center and the controls were taken from nephrology wards. L- Carnitine supplementation was given to the hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients were further subdivided into 2 groups, Intravenous group in which the subjects were given intravenous L-Carnitine supplementation and the Oral Group which constituted patients who received oral L-Carnitine supplementation. Results: In intravenous group the mean hemoglobin before supplementation was 9.9 (SD=±1.1) units and after treatment it was 10.5 (SD=±1.2) units. The change in hemoglobin was considered statistically significant with p<0.01. In oral group the mean hemoglobin before supplementation was 10.2 (SD=±1.1) units and after treatment it was 10.3 (SD=±1.1) units, the mean difference was not statistically significant with p=0.05. Conclusion: L-Carnitine supplementation demonstrated a significant reduction in CRP levels, with intravenous administration showing greater efficacy. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic value of L-Carnitine in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in CKD patients, offering a promising avenue for improving their overall health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore the full extent of these benefits and optimize treatment strategies.