Effect of L-carnitine supplementation on secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone metabolism in hemodialyzed patients.

The aim of our work was to test the influence of L-carnitine supplementation on secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone metabolism in hemodialyzed patients in a randomized study. Eighty-three chronically hemodialyzed patients were observed; 44 were supplemented with L-carnitine (15 mg/kg intravenously after each hemodialysis for 6 months), while 39 took placebo. Levels of free carnitine (CAR), calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphate (P), Ca x P product, parathormone (PTH), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), osteocalcin (OC), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were monitored.

Measurement of carnitine in hemodialysis patients - adaptation of an enzymatic photometric method for an automatic analyzer.

Background: The main goal of this work was to describe the analytical characteristics of an enzymatic photometric test for carnitine determination and its automation using an Olympus analyzer.

Methods: We used a test from Roche intended for manual processing and tried to apply it for use on an Olympus AU 400 analyzer. The analytical parameters of our modified technique were determined using external quality controls and kit controls, and by measurements in venous blood samples from 85 chronically hemodialyzed patients (before and after hemodialysis) and from 68 healthy blood donors serving as controls.