Effects of L-carnitine Supplement on Nitrogen Balance, Serum BUN, Some Hematological Measures, Duration of Hospitalization and Surgical Outcome in Patients with Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

Background & objectives:  The use of supplements such as L-carnitine, optimum nutritional support and early feeding after surgery in cancer patients can be important in the prevention of cancer complications. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of early L-carnitine-rich feeding on complications of esophageal cancer surgery and duration of hospitalization. Methods: In a clinical trial, 50 patients with esophageal cancer under surgery in two equal groups were randomly selected. Nutritional information was obtained using food record questionnaire. Basic blood samples and 24-hour urine samples were taken in order to measure the hematological parameters (like blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and blood urea) and nitrogen balance, respectively from two groups at the beginning and end of the study. Then, the intervention group received 3 g L-carnitine daily in 3 doses on the first day after the complementary operation, with a routine hospital diet at each meal, and the control group received a routine hospital diet for ten days. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, paired t-test and chi-square test. Results: The results showed that changes in the mean BUN and nitrogen balance were significantly different after intervention between the study groups (p<0.05). Patients with early L-carnitine-rich feeding had less hospitalization time in hospital wards and were discharged earlier (p<0.05). Conclusion:  The results of this study showed that early L-carnitine-rich feeding after surgery has probably a positive effect on the duration of hospital stay in patients with esophageal cancer.

Keywords

• Esophageal Cancer
• L-Carnitine
• Early Feeding
• Nitrogen Balance
• Surgery Complications