Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research

The supplementation of L-carnitine in critically ill patients with sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

  • 2024-10-05
  • European journal of medical research 29(1)
    • Chang Meng
    • Yudan Ma
    • Ning Fu
    • Jie Li
    • Biao Sun
    • Zhichao Li
    • Qing Wang
    • Peng Liu

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Sample size
n = 356
Population
patients with sepsis
Methods
meta-analysis; search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library; risk ratio pooled with 95% CI; review per Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA; registered with INPLASY

Objectives

The evidence suggests that L-carnitine may reduce mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis. However, the conclusions of different studies are inconsistent. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine compliance on mortality in patients with sepsis.

Methods

A search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted on 1 June 2024. The risk ratio (RR) was pooled with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous data. The publications were subjected to a review in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). This study has been registered with INPLASY (number INPLASY202460086).

Results

A total of 356 patients were included in four randomized controlled trials. The results indicated that L-carnitine supplementation was not associated with 28-day mortality in sepsis patients (RR: 0.65; 95% CI 0.33-1.28; I2 = 70%; P = 0.21). And there was no significant effect on 12-month mortality (RR: 0.72; 95% CI 0.47-1.11; I2 = 0%; P = 0.14) compared to placebo.

Conclusions

The use of L-carnitine was not found to be significantly correlated with 28-day or 12-month mortality in patients with sepsis.

Research Insights

  • And there was no significant effect on 12-month mortality (RR: 0.72; 95% CI 0.47-1.11; I2 = 0%; P = 0.14).

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
Back to top