Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) adequacy influences serum free carnitine level

Abstract

Objective: An evaluation of serum free carnitine level in CAPD patients in relation to dietary intake, nutritional status and CAPD adequacy and duration.

Study design: Food diaries, nutritional (total body mass, lean body mass, serum level of proteins, carnitine, cholesterol) and adequacy (Kt/V, PCR, tCcr, EN) parameters were obtained in 23 CAPD patients.

Results: Normal carnitine level (41.8+/-6.7 micromol/l) was found in 17 patients being on CAPD through 11.1+/-9.6 months, whereas in 6 persons treated with CAPD through 9.7+/-4.1 months carnitine level was 25.4+/-5.7 micromol/l. Significant differences between low and normal carnitine groups were in tCcr (82.7+/-16.7 v. 65.9+/-13.2 l/wk/1.73 m2 BSA), effluent volume (10.9+/-0.8 v. 9.9+/-1.5 l/day), effluent glucose concentration (729+/-167 v. 530+/-220 mg/dl) and serum globulin level (22.6+/-6.4 v. 29.3+/-4.4 g/l). Significant correlation coefficients (for n = 23) were found between serum carnitine level and effluent volume (r=-0.509) or plasma globulin level (r=+0.522).

Conclusion: Patients with higher CAPD adequacy show lower serum free carnitine levels and this is related to higher effluent volumes.