Effect of L-Carnitine on Serum Albumin Level of Hemodialysis Patients; A Placebo Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Acute phase proteins disorders are common problems in dialysis patients. According to previous studies, carnitine can increase blood albumin levels in these patients. In this study the effect of carnitine on serum albumin level of hemodialysis patients was investigated. Methods: In this blinded placebo controlled randomized clinical trial, 51 hemodialysis patients (16, 17 and 18 patients in the drug (carnitine), placebo and control groups, respectively) aged more than 21 years, were enrolled. L-carnitine (250 mg) and placebo pills were prescribed daily in three divided doses orally for 6 months. The control group received no drug. Serum albumin level in studied patients was measured before the study and every month after intervention. Findings: The mean serum albumin level at baseline in carnitine, placebo, and control groups was 3.87 ± 0.26, 3.88 ± 0.35, and 3.96 ± 0.45 g/dl, respectively. The mean serum albumin level at the end of the study in carnitine, placebo and control groups was 4.39 ± 0.54, 4.44 ± 0.78, and 3.84 ± 0.45, respectively. The mean serum albumin changes in three studied groups were significantly different before and after intervention (P < 0.05) due to the difference of control group with placebo and carnitine groups. There was no significant difference regarding side effects and mortality in carnitine and placebo groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Carnitine had not significant effect in serum albumin level. But considering the improvement was observed in carnitine and placebo groups comparing with control group, it could be suggested that it may be attributed to placebo effect and improvement of patients’ mood. Similar studies with higher doses of carnitine are recommended.