Background and objective: Premature neonates are at increased risk for carnitine deficiency, and carnitine supplementation can be effective in preventing and treating apnea. However, there is not enough information to support the effect of carnitine on the treatment of apnea. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of oral carnitine supplementation on prevention of apnea of prematurity in premature neonates in hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methodology: In this study, a total of 112 neonates with birth weight equal to or less than 1500 grams or with gestational age equal to or less than 32 weeks of age were included into the study with the consent of the parents. Out of these 112 neonates, 60 were placed in the control group and 52 were placed in the intervention group. During the first 72 hours of life, oral carnitine syrup was administered to the intervention group and placebo was given for the control group. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS 14 software. Results: The apnea cases were 42.3% and 10.2% in the intervention group and the control group (10.2%), respectively, which showed a significant difference (P≤0.001). In addition, the percentage of need for CPAP in neonates of intervention group and control group was obtained 40% and 28.3%, respectively. Mechanical ventilation was used 4% in intervention group and 18.3% in control group, reflecting the reduction in the severity of apnea as a result of using carnitine supplementation (P ≤0 / 001). Moreover, an increase in the average height from 13.3% to 36.5% during two weeks was seen in the intervention group compared to control group. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that oral carnitine supplementation can reduce the severity of apnea and its severity and it can be effective in increasing height in neonates.
