Clinical presentation and therapeutic outcomes of carnitine deficiency-induced cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE: Carnitine deficiency has been associated with progressive cardiomyopathy due to compromised energy metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate clinical features of carnitine deficiency-induced cardiomyopathy and the therapeutic efficacy of L-carnitine administration

Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:Zhonghua er ke za zhi = Chinese journal of pediatrics. - 1960. - 50(2012), 12 vom: 16. Dez., Seite 929-34
1. Verfasser: Fu, Li-jun (VerfasserIn)
Weitere Verfasser: Chen, Shu-bao, Han, Lian-shu, Guo, Ying, Zhao, Peng-jun, Zhu, Min, Li, Fen, Huang, Mei-rong
Format: Aufsatz
Sprache:Chinese
Veröffentlicht: 2012
Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk:Zhonghua er ke za zhi = Chinese journal of pediatrics
Schlagworte:English Abstract Journal Article Cardiotonic Agents Carnitine S7UI8SM58A
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:OBJECTIVE: Carnitine deficiency has been associated with progressive cardiomyopathy due to compromised energy metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate clinical features of carnitine deficiency-induced cardiomyopathy and the therapeutic efficacy of L-carnitine administration
METHOD: Between January 2010 and December 2011, filter-paper blood spots were collected from 75 children with cardiomyopathy. Free carnitine and acylcarnitine profiles were measured for each individual by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). For those in whom carnitine deficiency was demonstrated, treatment was begun with L-carnitine at a dose of 150 - 250 mg/(kg·d). Clinical evaluation, including physical examination, electrocardiography, chest x-ray, echocardiography and tandem mass spectrometry, was performed before therapy and during follow-up
RESULT: Of 75 cardiomyopathy patients, the diagnosis of carnitine deficiency was confirmed in 6 patients, which included 1 boy and 5 girls. Their age ranged from 0.75 to 6 years. Free carnitine content was (1.55 ± 0.61) µmol/L (reference range 10 - 60 µmol/L). Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) was (5.04 ± 0.66) cm and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was (38.5 ± 10.5)%. After 10 - 30 d therapy of L-carnitine, free carnitine content rose to (30.59 ± 15.02) µmol/L (t = 4.79, P < 0.01). LVDd decreased to (4.42 ± 0.67) cm (t = 4.28, P < 0.01) and LVEF increased to (49.1 ± 7.6)% (t = 6.59, P < 0.01). All patients received follow-up evaluations beyond 6 months of treatment. Clinical improvement was dramatic. LVEF returned to normal completely in all the 6 patients. LVDd decreased further in all the 6 patients and returned to normal levels in 3 patients. No clinical signs or symptoms were present in any of the 6 patients. The only complications of therapy had been intermittent diarrhea in 1 patient
CONCLUSION: Tandem mass spectrometry is helpful to diagnose carnitine deficiency and should be performed in all children with cardiomyopathy. L-carnitine has a good therapeutic effect on carnitine deficiency-induced cardiomyopathy
Beschreibung:Date Completed 29.10.2013
Date Revised 17.03.2022
published: Print
Citation Status MEDLINE
ISSN:0578-1310