What is DCD?

DCD is defined as a pre-dialysis plasma concentration of free carnitine less than 40 µmol/L caused by¹:

• Reduced intake of carnitine-rich foods (meat and dairy products)
• Reduced renal synthesis
• And especially continuous loss of carnitine through maintenance hemodialysis

Prevalence of DCD in Dialysis Patients

Results of clinical studies (n=193) evaluating free carnitine plasma concentrations in ESRD patients on dialysis for > 6 months²

• 95% of the patients had a free carnitine plasma concentration < 40 µmol/L.

References: 1. Evans A, et al: Pharmacokinetics of L-Carnitine in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Long-Term Hemodialysis. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2000; 68:238-249. 2. Fornasini G, Evans A: Analysis of Free Carnitine in Plasma of ESRD Patients Undergoing Chronic Dialysis: What is the Best Assay. Dialysis & Transplantation 2003;32:S1–S12