The use of L-carnitine compared tò placebo ín mortality of sepsis patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Sepsis and septic shock are severe diseases, with high lethality rates and of complex hospitalar management. These diseases derive from the dysregulation of the patient's immunologic response to a given infection. Currently, sepsis therapy is limited to hemodynamic and ventilatory support (through the use of mechanical ventilation, vasopressors and cardiotropic drugs), parallel to the treatment of the underlying infection. Thus, in the search for new adjuvant therapies, the administration of L-carnitine has emerged, with its activity upon mitochondrial energy metabolism. Considered low-risk, it has been gaining attention despite lacking evidence. Therefore, in this study a systematic review and meta-analysis will be performed regarding the safety and efficacy of the use of L-carnitine, administered independently, in comparison to placebo, in the mortality rates of hospitalized septic patients.