Evaluation of the Impact of L- Carnitine in Intradialytic Hypotension in Pediatric Patients on Regular Hemodialysis

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is defined as less than the 5th percentile of SBP measurements and is associated with clinical symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, restlessness, light-headedness, syncope, and anxiety. In adults There is no consensus definition of IDH, however, according to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative and European Best Practice Guidelines, IDH is defined as a decline in systolic blood pressure ≥20 mmHg or a decrease in a mean arterial pressure by 10 mmHg and associated with clinical events like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue, and restlessness.

IDH occurs in response to the reduction in blood volume (BV) during ultrafiltration (UF) and subsequent poor compensatory mechanisms due to abnormal cardiac function (left ventricular dysfunction, chamber remodeling, congenital heart diseases, and arrhythmias) or autonomic or baroreceptor failure. To maintain volume status, the body shifts fluid from the interstitial space to the intravascular space and increases heart rate, contractility, and vascular tone.

Plasma refilling, another essential factor in maintaining euvolemia, depends on oncotic, osmotic, and hydraulic gradients across vascular beds. If UF rates surpass plasma refilling rates, intravascular volume falls and hypotension results. Hematocrit levels, tissue hydration and arterial vasoconstriction all promote plasma refilling rates. Alterations in these factors during dialysis decrease the plasma refilling rate, resulting in hypotension.

Aim of The Work:

The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the efficacy and safety of L Carnitine in the prevention of intradialytic hypotension in pediatric patients on regular hemodialysis.