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Impact of l-carnitine supplementation on metabolic profiles in premature infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 37, pages 566–571 (2017)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

To describe the influence that of l-carnitine supplementation on acylcarnitine (AC) profiles and hospital outcomes in premature infants.

Study Design:

This study is a secondary analysis of previously reported work. Metabolic profiles were obtained using standard newborn techniques on infants born between 23 and 31 completed weeks of gestation. The profiles were drawn within the first 24 h after birth and on approximately days 7, 28 and 42 of life, or at the time of discharge. A single, central, contract laboratory analyzed and managed the samples.

Results:

We studied 995 patients; none was subsequently diagnosed with an inborn error of metabolism. l-Carnitine was added to parenteral nutrition in 390 (39%) study subjects; 592 (60%) did not receive supplementation. Non-supplemented infants were more likely to develop low levels of free carnitine (FC; <7 μm) on day 28; (41% vs 5%, P<0.01); and FC values were lower on day 7. Despite higher levels of FC and fewer patients with significant carnitine deficiencies, we found no evidence that l-carnitine supplementation was associated with improved short-term hospital outcomes.

Conclusion:

l-Carnitine supplementation is common in prematurely born neonates and is associated with higher carnitine levels, but is not associated with improved short-term hospital outcomes.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Pediatrix Medical Group. No outside honorarium, grant or other form of payment was given to anyone to produce the manuscript. Study registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00865150.

Author contributions

RHC has contributed to the conception and design of the study. The paper from first to final draft was written and edited by RHC with the help of his co-authors who offered suggestions for improvement. DHC has contributed to the conception and design of the study analysis and interpretation of data, as well as the final approval of the version to be published. ARS has contributed to the conception and design of the study, analysis and interpretation of data, critical revisions for important intellectual content, and final approval of the version to be published.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatrix-Obstetrix Center for Research, Education and Quality, Pediatrix Medical Group, Sunrise, FL, USA

    R H Clark, D H Chace & A R Spitzer

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  1. R H Clark
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  2. D H Chace
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  3. A R Spitzer
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Correspondence to R H Clark.

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Supplementary Information accompanies the paper on the Journal of Perinatology website

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Clark, R., Chace, D. & Spitzer, A. Impact of l-carnitine supplementation on metabolic profiles in premature infants. J Perinatol 37, 566–571 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2016.253

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