Effect of L-carnitine on Troponin, IL-6 and HS–CRP levels after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Background: L-carnitine seems to be able to prevent complications after heart surgery using Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the adverse effects of pump usage. This study aimed to evaluates the effects of L-carnitine on cardiac biomarkers and operation characteristics after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.Methods and materials: In this randomized triple-blinded, sixty patients undergoing elective CABG surgery were divided into three equal groups to receive 2gr oral L-carnitine (group A), 5gr oral L-carnitine (group B) and placebo (group C) 2 hours before surgery. IL-6, creatinine, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS–CRP) levels, CK-MB, cardiac troponin and inotrope administration in ICU or after CPB were recorded for all patients at baseline levels and at 8 or 24 hours postoperatively.Results: There was an evidence of a significant difference in CPK-MB level and number of red blood cell packed used in group A was lower than group C (p<0.05). The cardiac troponin level 8 hours after surgery significantly decreased in two treatment groups in comparison to group C (p<0.05). The need for inotropic support after weaning from CPB, in B group was statistically higher than C group (p=0.021).Conclusion: Although L-carnitine adjunct therapy appears not to be associated with IL-6 and HS–CRP levels, it had beneficial effects on cardiac troponin and CPK-MB levels.