[Hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for venous thrombosis]

In recent years research was done to elucidate the relation between an increased homocysteine concentration and arterial as well as venous thrombosis. Several case control studies showed that an elevated homocysteine concentration is an independent risk factor for primary and secondary venous thromboembolism. It is not clear whether lowering homocysteine levels by administration of folic acid, whether or not in combination with vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, decreases the risk of vascular events. Randomized secondary prevention trials are being conducted at this moment. It is recommended to await the results of these trials before screening for and treating of individuals with hyperhomocysteinaemia.