Effects of L-carnitine in patients with hepatic encephalopathy

doi:10.3748/wjg.v11.i45.7197

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World Journal of Gastroenterology

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1007-9327

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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA

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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 7, 2005; 11(45): 7197-7202
Published online Dec 7, 2005. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i45.7197

Effects of L-carnitine in patients with hepatic encephalopathy

Mariano Malaguarnera, Giovanni Pistone, Rampello Elvira, Carmelo Leotta, Linda Scarpello, Rampello Liborio

Mariano Malaguarnera, Giovanni Pistone, Rampello Elvira, Carmelo Leotta, Linda Scarpello, Department of Senescence, Urological e Neurological, University of Catania, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy

Rampello Liborio, Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Italy

Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.

Correspondence to: Professor Mariano Malaguarnera, Ospedale Cannizzaro, via Messina, 829 95125 Catania, Italy. malaguar@unict.it

Telephone: +39-95-7262008 Fax: +39-95-7262011

Received: April 19, 2005
Revised: May 23, 2005
Accepted: May 24, 2005
Published online: December 7, 2005

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the influence of L-carnitine on mental conditions and ammonia effects on patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients (10 patients with alcoholism, 41 patients with hepatitis virus B infection, 78 patients with hepatitis C virus infection, 21 patients with cryptogenetic cirrhosis) meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized into group A receiving a 90-d treatment with L-carnitine (2 g twice a day) or into group B receiving placebo in double blind.

RESULTS: At the end of the study period, a significant decrease in NH4 fasting serum levels was found in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (P < 0.05) after the treatment with levocarnitine (LC). Significant differences were also found between symbol digit modalities test and block design in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Results of our study suggest an important protective effect of L-carnitine against ammonia-precipitated encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients.

Keywords: Hepatic encephalopathy; Carnitine; Cirrhosis; Ammonia; Treatment