This study was conducted to determine L-carnitine levels in regularly transfused and chelated beta thalassemia patients (n=40; mean age, 17.5+/-5.0 years). Ten age matched controls were also studied. The mean L-carnitine level in thalassemic patients was 23.71+/- 7.3 microM as compared to control 29.26+/-2.37 microM (P<0.0001). Mean carnitine was significantly lower (P=0.037) in those with ferritin greater than 2000 ng/dL (22.80+/-6.97 microM) in comparison to those with ferritin less than 2000 ng/dL (30.1+/-7.77 microM). Although carnitine levels in non vegetarians was higher (26.91+/-8.4 microM) than in vegetarians (22.34+/-6.55 microM), this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.072). We conclude that L-carnitine levels were found to be lower in thalassemics as compared to age matched controls.
Adolescent Adult