Evaluation of serum level of carnitine in HIV-positive individuals and its possible explanatory factors

Aims: This cross-sectional study evaluated the status of serum carnitine level and its possible explanatory factors in Iranian HIV-positive patients. Materials & methods: During a 1-year period, 210 HIV-positive patients older than 18 years of age were enrolled in the study. Serum carnitine concentrations of the patients were measured using radioimmunoassay kits. Probable correlations between the patients' demographic and clinical characteristics with their serum levels of carnitine were determined in this study. Results: In comparison with normal serum concentration of carnitine in a healthy population, 63.45% of the patients had carnitine deficiency. Receiving antiretroviral regimen, duration of HIV infection, receiving fibrate drugs, serum total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar and serum triglyceride had significant correlations with serum level of carnitine of the patients. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that carnitine deficiency is prevalent in Iranian HIV/AIDS patients. Nutritional risk assessment of HIV-positive individuals at first visit and in the follow-up is essential.