Short-term effects of nocturnal haemodialysis on carnitine metabolism

Functional carnitine deficiency [as indicated by an abnormal acyl-carnitine/free-carnitine (AC:FC) ratio] is commonly seen in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), resulting in significant clinical detriments including anaemia, cardiomyopathy and muscle weakness. Nocturnal haemodialysis (NHD) (5-6 sessions per week, 8 h per treatment) has been reported to reverse several surrogate markers of uraemia. Conversely, as a consequence of increased dialysis dose, NHD may have the potential to aggravate plasma nutrient deficiencies. Our objective was to determine the effects of NHD on plasma free-carnitine levels and carnitine metabolism.