The influence of l-carnitine supplementation on hematocrit and hemoglobin levels in patients with end stage renal failure on CAPD.

The influence of L-carnitine supplementation on hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, in patients suffering from end stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis, are well known from several studies. The data concerning the serum levels of carnitine, in patients with ESRD on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) are contradictory, but most of them support that they are rather normal. In this study the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on Hct, and Hb levels were investigated in patients suffering from ESRD on CAPD.