Mo641impact of Magnesium and L-Carnitine Administration on 3-Year Survival in Diabetic Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease

Abstract

Background and Aims According to population registries, the survival of diabetic patients with end-stage-renal disease (ESRD) remains low today. In this context, it is reasonable to develop new therapeutic strategies based on advances in science of the important role of magnesium (Mg) and L-carnitine deficiency (via inflammation and endothelial dysfunction) in mechanisms of cardiovascular remodeling, high morbidity and mortality rates. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Mg and L-carnitine supplementation on 3-year survival and development of the cardiovascular complications in diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Method 48 type 2 diabetic ESRD patients were included in this prospective cohort study (male/female, 29/19; age, 59.9±0.6 years; HD duration, 34.8±4.8 month; diabetes mellitus duration, 174.7±7.1 month). The study was performed in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration of Helsinki last revision. Depending on the treatment programme, patients were divided into two groups: the 1st (main) group (n=24) in addition to basic treatment (hypoglycemic, antihypertensive therapy, according to indications - correction of anemia, hyperparathyroidism, hyperphosphatemia) was treated by combination of magnesium aspartate (0.5 g/day orally) and L-carnitine (1 g/day parenterally after each HD session (three times weekly); the 2nd (comparison) group (n=24) was only on the basic therapy. Complex treatment lasted 12-months; administration of L-carnitine was performed continuously throughout the year, while magnesium aspartate – by three 2-months’ courses/year. The follow up period in both groups was 36 months. Quantitative data are expressed as means±SEM, qualitative ones – as %. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used to estimate survival of HD patients, χ2-test – to compare the frequency values. Results The cumulative proportion of survivors at the end of follow-up was 60.4%; however, after 36 months, the survival rate of diabetic HD patients who received a combination of magnesium aspartate and L-carnitine as part of their modified treatment was significantly higher (75 vs. 45.8%; Log-rank=2.07, p=0.038) compared to patients who were on basic therapy (Figure). Survival time in main and comparison groups was 31.9±1.7 and 26.4±2.2 months respectively. It is noteworthy, that throughout the year (from 10 to 22 months), no completed events were recorded in subjects who underwent Mg and L-carnitine supplementation. Conclusion (1) The combined use of magnesium aspartate and L-carnitine in addition to the basic 12-month treatment provides an effective reduction of cardiovascular complications and promotes 3-year survival of diabetic HD patients. (2) The results obtained substantiate the advisability of using repeated courses of Mg and L-carnitine administration 1 years after the end of the primary modified treatment to improve the prognosis in these ESRD patients.