l-Carnitine supplementation for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation in aortic valve surgery

l-Carnitine, a quaternary amine, improves fatty acid metabolism in the heart and has anti-inflammatory effects. Several studies have reported efficacy of l-carnitine for prophylaxis arrhythmia. We assessed clinical effectiveness preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) aortic valve surgery. Thirty patients who underwent surgery were included. Fifteen had no other than conventional measures (control), while 15 received oral 9 days (daily dose 3 g). The incidence POAF during 1 week after was compared between two groups. multivariable logistic regression analysis performed using pre- intraoperative parameters. Preoperative characteristics operative data comparable rate significantly lower group control (20% 60%, respectively; P = 0.025). l-Carnitine use an independently negative predictor (odds ratio 0.067; 95% confidence interval 0.006–0.768). administration may potential prevention