Reference ranges for muscle carnitine concentration in children.
BACKGROUND
We investigated muscle and plasma carnitine concentrations in children to establish reference intervals for use following biopsy of skeletal muscle.


METHODS
The study comprised 50 children from newborns up to 14 years of age, all undergoing elective surgery. They were divided into six age groups, the youngest 0-2 days and the oldest 11-14 years. The samples were taken at the beginning of surgery.


RESULTS
Gestational age was a major determinant of the total muscle carnitine concentration in newborns (Spearman's r(s) = 0.692, P < 0.01). This concentration was low during the first year, but subsequently did not differ between age groups. In neonates the median value (range) for total carnitine concentration in skeletal muscle was 5.9 (2.2-15.9) micro mol/g dry weight and the free to total carnitine ratio was 62 (31-81)%. In children 1-12 months old the corresponding figures were 6.0 (3.5-7.9) micro mol/g dry weight and 51 (28-71)% and in those 1-14 years they were 12.1 (6.6-17.4) micro mol/g dry weight and 76 (42-92)%.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that muscle carnitine concentrations in newborns are dependent on gestational age. The data suggest that there is an accretion of carnitine in skeletal muscle during the first year of life. Reference intervals are given.
Angsten
Gertrud
G
Department of Paediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital, S-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden. Gertrud.Angsten@surgsci.uu.se
Cederblad
Gitten
G
Meurling
Staffan
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002331:Carnitine / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000737:chemistry*; D012016:Reference Values
D002331:Carnitine