Abstract
Objectives: We sought to compare serum carnitine levels and clinical correlates between stable outpatients and acutely hospitalised individuals with diagnoses of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Methods: We obtained clinical information as well as serum levels for total and free carnitine, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides in 60 consenting individuals.
Results: We found higher total serum carnitine levels in our outpatient group in comparison to acutely hospitalised psychiatric patients, with a statistically significant P value of 0.045. Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in the outpatient (37.9%) versus inpatient group (16.1%). We identified significantly higher carnitine levels in patients who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome in comparison to the patients without metabolic syndrome, with respective P values for total and free carnitine of 0.0048 and 0.0029.
Conclusions: This study revealed a complex relationship among carnitine metabolism, metabolic syndrome and behavioural outcomes. Future studies of carnitine metabolism in the context of mental illness as well as metabolic syndrome are warranted.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the Ensor Trust Mental Health Research Grant.
Statement of interest
None to declare.