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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
Summary
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.
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