Clinical Manifestations of Dialysis-Related Carnitine Deficiency (DCD)

Dialysis-related Carnitine Deficiency (DCD) is a serious problem for some dialysis patients and is an important diagnosis to consider in patients with:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Intradialytic Hypotension
• Muscle Weakness
• Malaise
• Delayed or Diminished Response to EPO

The plasma concentration of free carnitine can be evaluated with a readily available lab test and should be measured to determine if DCD might be a contributing factor.

Carnitor^® Injection therapy should be considered when the pre-dialysis concentration of free carnitine drops below 40 µmol/L.

Adverse events reported with Carnitor^® use include nausea, vomiting, body odor, gastritis and seizures. There are no reported contraindications or warnings. Only the intravenous form of Carnitor^® is indicated for use in ESRD patients on hemodialysis. See Precautions in the Prescribing Information.