Carnitine and metabolic correlates in hospitalized psychiatric patients: a follow-through report.
BACKGROUND
Carnitine deficiency may be encountered in the context of chronic psychiatric illness, particularly with the chronic use of valproic acid. Despite the importance of carnitine in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function, its metabolic effects have not been studied in a psychiatric population.


OBJECTIVE
To raise awareness regarding the possible metabolic implications of carnitine homeostasis in psychiatric patients.


METHODS
Retrospective database review in a subgroup of 23 patients with documented hypo carnitinemia.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis revealed a negative correlation between serum carnitine levels and lipid levels. Initial fasting plasma glucose levels correlated positively with acylcarnitine/free carnitine ratios, suggesting unfavorable secondary effects of carnitine insufficiency, which resolved once carnitine was supplemented.


CONCLUSIONS
Carnitine is a plausible substrate for future investigations of metabolic status in psychiatric patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether serum carnitine levels may be useful as a marker for psychiatric patients at risk for developing metabolic syndrome, and whether carnitine supplementation may reduce that risk. (Journal of Psychiatric Practice 2011;17:35-40).
South Carolina Department of Mental Health and University of South Carolina School of Medicine, SC 29203, USA. mirocuturic@yahoo.com
Miroslav
M
Cuturic
Ruth K
RK
Abramson
Robert R
RR
Moran
James W
JW
Hardin
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002331:Carnitine / Q000097:blood* / Q000172:deficiency*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D015415:Biomarkers; D008055:Lipids; D002331:Carnitine