The effect of L-carnitin supplementation on hyperlipidemia in pediatric nephrotic syndrome

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular incidents. Abnormalities in lipoproteins and lipids profile are common in patients with pediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and may contribute to atherosclerosis. Prescription of lipid lowering agents such as statins because of myopathy and growth disorders, are not recommended in child-aged groups. However, there isn’t any investigation on carnitine effects on lipids profile of patients with childhood nephrotic syndrome which is the propose of our study. In this case-control study, case group included 16 patients in 2-12 years of age with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome, receiving prednisolon, cyclosporine and carnitine (25mg/kg/day) within a 3 months period and control group included 17 age and sex matched patients, receiving standard treatment (prednisolon, cyclosporine), were compared. In both groups, biochemical parameters like triglyceride, cholesterol, VLDL, LDL, HDL, BUN, creatinine and serum albumin were measured. At the end of the study period, L-carnitine treated group showed no significant difference in the biochemical markers compared with the control group (P-values>0.05). Our study indicates that oral administrations of L-carnitine with the dose of 25 mg/kg/day did not have any effects on lipoprotein profile of persistent childhood nephrotic syndrome.