Evaluation of Serum Level of Carnitine in Children with Acute Pyelonephritis (APN) Compared to Healthy Children

Abstract

Aim: This cross-sectional case-control study evaluated the serum carnitine level in children with urinary tract infection (UTI). Background: Acute pyelonephritis (APN) is a common bacterial infection of the upper urinary tract in children which may also lead to renal damage and tubular atrophy. Activation of inflammatory mediator bedside alterations in the cytokines and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a striking role in the development of tissue damage after pyelonephritis. L-carnitine as one of the most potent natural antioxidant agents by inhibition of lipid peroxidation may protect cells and tissues from damage. Methods: A total of 30children with UTI (as a case group) and 30 healthy children (as a control group) which matched as age and sex were enrolled in this study. All children were evaluated and compared as age, sex, weight, body mass index (BMI) and serum carnitine level together. Serum carnitine level wasdetermined using serum carnitine ELISA kit. Results: Demographic and clinical data such as age, sex, weight and BMI were not statistically significant between two groups. The serum carnitine levels were significantly lower in case group with UTI than control group. Mean serum carnitine concentration in the case group and in control group was 36.56 ± 9.87 μmol/l and 62.8±21.35 respectively (P = 0.001). Conclusion: According to our study, it could be concluded that low serum L-carnitine level is linked to UTI in children. Therefore, further studies are needed to confirm our results.