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Hyperhomocysteinemia: a risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion

A K Vine1

  • 1Retina Service, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA.

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 14, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine levels, or hyperhomocysteinemia, are a significant risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion. This condition may also indicate a poorer prognosis for patients diagnosed with this eye disease.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Elevated plasma homocysteine is a known risk factor for vascular diseases.
  • Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a serious vascular condition affecting the eye.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion.
  • To determine the association between plasma homocysteine levels and CRVO.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 74 patients with documented CRVO.
  • Control subjects were individuals assessed for nonretinal vascular diseases.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia was defined as total plasma homocysteine above the 95th percentile in controls.

Main Results:

  • Patients with CRVO had higher mean plasma homocysteine levels (11.58 +/- 4.67 micromol/l) compared to controls (9.49 +/- 2.65 micromol/l).
  • 21.6% of CRVO patients exhibited hyperhomocysteinemia (odds ratio, 6.53; P =.003).
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia was more prevalent in cases of bilateral disease (55%) and ischemic occlusions (30%).

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is identified as a risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion.
  • The presence of hyperhomocysteinemia may suggest a poor prognosis in CRVO patients.
Abstract

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