L-carnitine reduces hospital admissions in patients with hepatic encephalopathy

Aim The aim of this study was to determine whether oral L-carnitine administration reduces the blood ammonia concentration and number of hospital admissions for hepatic encephalopathy in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Methods Of 68 patients with hepatic encephalopathy treated with oral L-carnitine supplementation from April 2013 to March 2016, we enrolled 19 patients who had received full standard treatment. We analyzed blood ammonia concentration, number of hospital admissions, and prognosis to determine how effective L-carnitine was in achieving mid-term to long-term suppression of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy. Results: Median blood ammonia concentrations at the start, 1 week, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks were 159, 79, 75, and 82 μg/dL, respectively. Blood ammonia concentrations 12 week, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks after L-carnitine administration were significantly lower than those at the start (P 
Source: European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Original Articles: Hepatology Source Type: research