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Hyperhomocysteinemia: a risk factor for ischemic stroke in children

I M van Beynum1, J A Smeitink, M den Heijer

  • 1University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Circulation
|April 27, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor in adults, is also linked to ischemic stroke in children. This study found a significant association, highlighting its importance in pediatric vascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is a known risk factor for arterial vascular disease and venous thrombosis in adults.
  • The role of hyperhomocysteinemia in pediatric ischemic stroke remains less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between moderate hyperhomocysteinemia and ischemic stroke in children.
  • To determine if elevated homocysteine levels are a risk factor for stroke in the pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted involving 45 children with ischemic stroke and 234 controls.
  • Plasma total homocysteine levels (tHcy) were measured.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia was defined as tHcy above the 95th percentile for age-specific controls.

Main Results:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia was identified in 18% of pediatric ischemic stroke patients.
  • An odds ratio of 4.4 (95% CI, 1.7 to 11.6) indicated a significantly increased risk.
  • Elevated homocysteine levels were strongly associated with ischemic stroke in children.

Conclusions:

  • Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is confirmed as a risk factor for ischemic stroke in children.
  • These findings underscore the importance of homocysteine screening in pediatric stroke evaluation.
  • Further research may explore therapeutic interventions targeting homocysteine levels in affected children.
Abstract

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