Effect of L-carnitine on abnormal erythrocytes in uremic patients on hemodialysis

Objective. The aim of this study is to determine the percentage of abnormal erythrocytes (echinocytes and schistocytes) before and after hemodialysis (HD) in uremic patients undergoing regular HD, and to evaluate the effect of L-camitine (L-C) on the levels of these abnormal red cells. Patients and Methods. In 20 uremic patients undergoing regular HD, the levels of abnormal red cells-echinocytes and schistocytes-were determined pre- and post-HD in 40 HD sessions (2 sessions per patient). The mean percentage ( ± SD) for echinocytes was 9.175 ± 1.355 pre-HD and 6.25 ± 0.89 post-HD. Schistocyte percentage levels were 1.625 ± 0.621 pre-HD and 2.05 ± 0.61 post-HD. Patients were divided into 2 groups, each with 10 patients (for 20 total HD sessions). Group 1 included patients under treatment with L-C, and Group 2 included patients without L-C treatment. Results. The comparison of the levels of echinocytes and schistocytes between the groups shows that the percentage of echinocytes in patients with L-C versus those without L-C was 8.15 ± 1.04 vs 10.2 ± 1.673 (p< 0.001 ) pre-HD and 5.85 ± 0.745 vs 6.65 ± 1.04, (p < 0.008) post-HD. The percentage of schistocytes in patients with L-C versus those without L-C was 1.3 ± 0.732 vs 1.95 ± 0.510 (p < 0.006) pre-HD and 1.75 ± 0.550 vs 2.35 ± 0.670 (p < 0.01) post-HD. Conclusion. These results show that uremic patients under regular HD present with abnormal erythrocytes (echinocytes and schistocytes). The administration of L-C lowers the levels of these abnormal erythrocytes in these patients. L-C probably plays an important role in retaining the integrity of erythrocyte membrane function.