Safety and efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation in improving cardiac function of hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE

Heart failure is a significant complication among patients undergoing hemodialysis, often associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction. L-carnitine, crucial for fatty acid metabolism, has shown promise in improving cardiac function. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation in improving cardiac function in hemodialysis patients.

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE was conducted up to October 3, 2024, to identify relevant studies. The trials assessing the effects of L-carnitine on echocardiographic parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and diastolic function were included. A random-effects model was applied to pool data, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistic.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies were included in the systematic review, with 7 studies involving 426 participants being meta-analyzed. L-carnitine supplementation significantly improved LVEF (MD = 1.64, 95% CI 0.10-3.17, p = 0.04), with low heterogeneity (I = 37%). However, no significant changes were observed for LVMI (MD = -3.19, p = 0.60) or diastolic markers (E/A ratio MD = -0.13, p = 0.47; E/e ratio MD = -0.35, p = 0.67).

CONCLUSION

L-carnitine supplementation significantly improves cardiac function, particularly systolic function (LVEF) in hemodialysis patients. However, its effects on LVMI and markers of diastolic function are inconclusive. Future large-scale trials are warranted to further elucidate its role in cardiac function among this population.