[Supplementation with high-dose L-carnitine on hemodialysis tolerance in uremic patients with severe heart diseases].

Objective

To investigate the effect of intravenous supplementation with high-dose L-carnitinen on hemodialysis tolerance in uremic patients with severe heart disease (ischemic heart disease, congestive heart disease and arrhythmia).

Methods

Between March 2012 and March 2017, 5 gram L-carnitine was given after the completion of each hemodialysis treatment (3-4 times a week) over a period of two weeks in 29 maintenance hemodialysis patients with severe heart diseases manifested by frequently symptomatic hypotension, chest tightness, wheezing, palpitation, chest pain and other symptoms during hemodialysis. The hemodialysis duration, heart functional classification (New York Heart Association Functional Classification, NYHA ), blood pressure and arrhythmia were analyzed before and after the treatment.

Results

The duration of hemodialysis was significantly prolonged after treatment [from 2.0-3.5 (2.6±0.4)h to 3.0-4.0 (3.8±0.4) h, t=10.66, P<0.01]. Cardiac function was improved (Z=-4.74, P<0.01). The hypotension and arrhythmia during dialysis was improved.

Conclusion

High-dose of intravenous L-carnitine supplementation can improve hemodialysis tolerance and the symptoms of heart failure, arrhythmia, ischemic cardiac disease in hemodialysis patients with severe heart diseases.