title: [Evaluation of serum total carnitine values in persons with severe motor and intellectual disabilities with enteral (tube) feeding].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The nutritive evaluation and the serum carnitine values were measured for persons with severe motor and intellectual disabilities with enteral (tube) feeding.
  
  
  METHODS
  In Shimada Rehabilitation Center, twenty one people who had serum albumin levels of 3.4 g/dl or less, and were taking nutrition with enteral (tube) feeding, were tested. Body weight, blood samples, and serum carnitine levels were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total carnitine value was less than the standard value in 19 patients. The total carnitine value decreased in the group taking valporate sodium (VPA), compared to the values from the group non-taking VPA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  From our evaluation, we think that daily carnitine supplements is essential for persons with sever motor and intellectual disabilities taking VPA to maintain carnitine levels in the blood, and regular urine test should be done for earlier detection secondary lack complications from the secondary lack of carnitine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Shimada Rehabilitation Center, Tama, Tokyo. u.ohtaki@shimada-ryoiku.or.jp
authors.forename: Ushio
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ohtaki
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ozawa
authors.forename: Takehiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ishizuka
authors.forename: Akiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kamiishi
authors.forename: Kyoko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sasaki
authors.forename: Suemi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nakajima
authors.forename: Ayako
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katayama
authors.forename: Kiyoshi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Arimoto
authors.forename: Tatsuhiko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yagihashi
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kimiya
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002331:Carnitine / Q000097:blood*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014635:Valproic Acid; D002331:Carnitine