SERUM CARNITINE (CAR) AND DYSLIPIDEMIA IN 172 CHILDREN UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE DIALYSIS

In adults on RDT has been shown that hemodialysis can deplete serum CAR levels. Since CAR is necessary for the complete oxidation of fatty acids,deviations in serum levels from normal may reflect alterations which would in turn disturb normal lipid metabolism. We have studied in 15 children, 3-12 years of age,dialyzed for 5 hours thrice weekly, serum CAR predialysis,at the end of dialysis and 3,6,12,24 hours after;the lipid pattern and the effects of oral CAR administration (100 mg/kg/day). It was observed a decrease in serum CAR in post-dialysis (-43%) with a return to predialysis values within 6 hours. The decrease in serum was associated with an equivalent appearance in dialysate of CAR.The oral administration of CAR resulted in an increase in predialysis serum levels and in a more rapid return to normal values in postdialysis,within 3 hours.Lipid abnormalities were partly corrected with a decrease plasma triglycerides and FFA,with no modification of cholesterol.