Clinical correlates of low serum carnitine levels in hospitalized psychiatric patients.
World J Biol Psychiatry
; 12(1): 73-9, 2011 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20586533
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
We sought to evaluate clinical correlates of low serum carnitine levels in hospitalized psychiatric patients.METHODS:
We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 40 psychiatric inpatients identified to have low serum carnitine levels.RESULTS:
Cognitive impairment was present in 38 (95%) cases, frequently accompanied by imbalance, agitation and extrapyramidal symptoms. Valproate therapy was encountered in 28 (70%) patients. The dosage of valproate negatively correlated with total and free carnitine levels (P = 0.003 and 0.0136). Polypharmacy also affected carnitine levels, indicating additional modulatory effects on carnitine metabolism. We encountered a disproportionately high prevalence of mental retardation and dementia in association with hypocarnitinemia.CONCLUSION:
We hypothesize that in the context of mental illness hypocarnitinemia may be associated with metabolic encephalopathy and cognitive impairment. As carnitine deficiency is a potentially treatable condition further studies are warranted.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Carnitina
/
Pacientes Internos
/
Trastornos Mentales
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
World J Biol Psychiatry
Asunto de la revista:
PSIQUIATRIA
Año:
2011
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos