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Hyperhomocysteinaemia in Behçet's disease
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ege University School of Medicine, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|June 27, 2001
Summary
Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a significant risk factor for venous thrombosis in Behçet's disease (BD). This correctable condition may offer new strategies for preventing thrombosis in BD patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Behçet's disease (BD) is characterized by arterial and venous thrombosis.
- The exact pathogenesis of thrombosis in BD remains unclear.
- Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a known risk factor for thrombosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if hyperhomocysteinaemia contributes to arterial and venous thrombosis in Behçet's disease.
- To compare homocysteine levels in BD patients with and without a history of thrombosis against healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-four BD patients and 36 healthy controls were enrolled.
- Plasma homocysteine levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.
- Patients with conditions affecting homocysteine levels or on methotrexate were excluded or analyzed separately.
Main Results:
- BD patients exhibited significantly higher plasma homocysteine levels than healthy controls (11.5 vs. 8.8 micromol/l).
- Hyperhomocysteinaemia was present in 64% of BD patients with thrombosis history versus 9% without.
- Methotrexate-treated patients showed the highest homocysteine concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Hyperhomocysteinaemia is identified as an independent risk factor for venous thrombosis in Behçet's disease.
- Unlike genetic factors, hyperhomocysteinaemia is a modifiable risk factor.
- This finding suggests potential new approaches for thrombosis prophylaxis in BD.