Acetyl-L-Carnitine Dosing in HIV Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Herzmann C, Whiting S.J, Thomas M, Byrne P, Johnson M.A, Youle M
Primary Institution: Vivantes Auguste Viktoria Klinikum
Hypothesis
Can once daily dosing of Acetyl-L-Carnitine achieve similar plasma levels as twice daily dosing in HIV-1 infected patients with toxic peripheral polyneuropathy?
Conclusion
Once daily dosing of Acetyl-L-Carnitine can achieve similar plasma levels as twice daily dosing, but the clinical effects need further investigation.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients receiving ALCAR had higher pre-dose levels than control subjects.
- Post dose levels were not significantly higher than pre dose levels in any treatment group.
- All ALCAR plasma levels were significantly higher in the treatment groups compared to controls.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether taking a medicine called Acetyl-L-Carnitine once a day works just as well as taking it twice a day for people with HIV and nerve problems.
Methodology
A crossover trial where 23 HIV-1 infected subjects switched from twice daily to once daily dosing of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, with plasma levels measured pre and post dose.
Limitations
The study size was small, and results need to be interpreted with caution.
Participant Demographics
23 HIV-1 infected subjects, slightly more men in the treatment group, mean age 43 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.02 for ALCAR levels, p<0.03 for L-carnitine levels.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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