Association of Abnormal Serum L-Carnitine Levels with Idiopathic Changes in Left Ventricular Geometry in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients

Abstract

Background: There is no compelling evidence to prove an association between serum free L-carnitine levels and changes in left ventricular (LV) geometry. The present study aimed to evaluate a possible association between these parameters. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 504 outpatients were randomly selected among those registered at Sanandaj Pediatric Heart Clinic (Sanandaj, Iran) during 2014-2020. The patients aged one to 25 years and were presented with cardiac complaints. The serum L-carnitine levels of all patients were evaluated and associated with changes in LV geometry measured by echocardiography. The association was assessed using the Chi squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22.0). P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean serum L-carnitine levels in the normal, low, and high serum groups were 52.69, 14.16, and 178.67 nmol/dL, respectively. There was a significant statistical association between abnormal serum levels of free L-carnitine and changes in LV geometry (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings are indicative of an association between abnormal serum L-carnitine levels and changes in LV geometry in pediatric and adolescent patients.

Keywords

• heart
• carnitine
• pediatrics
• heart ventricles