The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. J Child Neurol. Secondary carnitine deficiencies in these individuals may result from nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal disturbances, renal losses, or shifts in metabolic pathways. However, tissue depletion precipitated by drug toxicities, particularly zidovudine, is a major etiology and concern. Carnitine deficiency may impact on energy and lipid metabolism, causing mitochondrial and immune dysfunction.
Studies measuring the impact of L-carnitine supplementation on clinical characteristics are ongoing.
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