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Case Reports
. 2022 Jun 20;9(6):e00799.
doi: 10.14309/crj.0000000000000799. eCollection 2022 Jun.

Carnitine Deficiency in an Adult With Short Bowel Syndrome After Surgical Resection

Amir Y Kamel  1 , Nicole C Ruiz  2 , Melissa R Murray  1 , Ansley M Gayle  1 , Angela Pham  3 , Thiago Beduschi  4 , Martin D Rosenthal  5
Affiliations
Case Reports

Carnitine Deficiency in an Adult With Short Bowel Syndrome After Surgical Resection

Amir Y Kamel et al. ACG Case Rep J. .

Abstract

Carnitine is an essential cofactor for fatty acid metabolism. Deficiencies can be associated with muscle weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and cardiomyopathies. A 27-year-old woman with short bowel syndrome (SBS) presented with significant weight loss, fatigue, and muscle wasting despite adequate parenteral nutrition. Her laboratory test results revealed carnitine deficiency secondary to malnutrition. Levocarnitine supplementation was initiated with normalization of her carnitine levels. Her fatigue improved, and her weight returned to baseline. Carnitine deficiencies are seldomly reported in adults, particularly those with SBS. Carnitine deficiency should be suspected and corrected in patients with SBS and malabsorptive capacity due to surgical resection.

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