Effects of L-carnitine in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
OBJECTIVE
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).


CONCLUSIONS
Results of our study suggest an important protective effect of L-carnitine against ammonia-precipitated encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients.
Malaguarnera
Mariano
M
Ospedale Cannizzaro, via Messina, 829 95125 Catania, Italy. malaguar@unict.it
Pistone
Giovanni
G
Elvira
Rampello
R
Leotta
Carmelo
C
Scarpello
Linda
L
Liborio
Rampello
R
D000328:Adult; D000641:Ammonia / Q000097:blood; D002331:Carnitine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests
D000641:Ammonia; D002331:Carnitine