Effect of Early L-Carnitine Supplementation on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants

Infants will receive L-carnitine 50 micromoles/kg/day, divided into three doses, intravenously for a minimum of 2 weeks or until they achieve enteral feeding volume of 100 cc/kg/day. If infant is receiving 100 cc/kg/day of enteral feeds before the supplementation endpoint, an equivalent dose of enteral L-carnitine will be given to the study patients.

Infants will receive 5% dextrose (placebo) three times a day (volume equivalent to the experimental drug) intravenously for a minimum of 2 weeks or until they achieve enteral feeding volume of 100 cc/kg/day. If infant is receiving 100 cc/kg/day of enteral feeds before the supplementation endpoint, an equivalent volume of enteral placebo (5% Dextrose) will be given to the study patients.