Transient reduction of human left ventricular mass in carnitine depletion induced by antibiotics containing pivalic acid. Issue 6 (December 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abrahamsson, K.; Mellander, M.; Eriksson, B. O.; Holme, E.; Jodal, U.; Jönsson, A.; Lindstedt, S.
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 74:Issue 6(1995)
• Page Start: 656
• Page End: 659
• Publication Date: 1995-12
• Subjects: Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.74.6.656
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--To study the effect of induced carnitine depletion on myocardial structure and function. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN--7 healthy adult volunteers given 1200 mg pivmecillinam per day for 7-8 weeks were studied by echocardiography before and after 7-8 weeks of treatment and a 15 months follow up after the treatment period. SETTING--Teaching hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Carnitine concentration in serum, urine, and muscle and echocardiographic measurements. RESULTS--After 7-8 weeks of treatment the median free serum carnitine concentration was reduced to 7% and the median total muscle carnitine concentration to 46% of the pretreatment levels. The median diastolic interventricular septum thickness decreased by 14% (mean 26%, P = 0.028) and the median left ventricular mass by 10% (mean 20%, P = 0.018). Fifteen months later these dimensions had increased but not completely returned to pretreatment values. CONCLUSIONS--Extended treatment with pivalic acid containing antibiotics causes carnitine depletion which may lead to changes in cardiac structure.