Decreased rate of coronary restenosis after lowering of plasma homocysteine levels
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Lowering homocysteine with folate treatment significantly reduces restenosis after coronary angioplasty. This inexpensive vitamin therapy is a safe adjunctive treatment for patients.
Area Of Science
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background
- Elevated plasma homocysteine is linked to restenosis post-percutaneous coronary angioplasty.
- Previous studies indicated an association between high homocysteine and restenosis.
- This study aimed to investigate if reducing homocysteine levels impacts restenosis rates.
Purpose Of The Study
- To evaluate the efficacy of lowering plasma homocysteine levels on restenosis after coronary angioplasty.
- To assess the impact of folate treatment on restenosis and major adverse cardiac events.
Main Methods
- A prospective, double-blind, randomized trial involving 205 patients.
- Patients received either folate treatment (folic acid, vitamin B12, pyridoxine) or placebo for six months post-angioplasty.
- Restenosis was assessed by quantitative coronary angiography; major adverse cardiac events were secondary endpoints.
Main Results
- Folate treatment significantly reduced plasma homocysteine levels.
- Patients receiving folate treatment had a larger minimal luminal diameter and less severe stenosis at follow-up.
- The rate of restenosis (19.6% vs. 37.6%) and target lesion revascularization (10.8% vs. 22.3%) were significantly lower in the folate group.
Conclusions
- Combination folate therapy effectively lowers homocysteine levels.
- This treatment significantly decreases restenosis and the need for revascularization after coronary angioplasty.
- Inexpensive folate therapy with minimal side effects is a viable adjunctive treatment for patients undergoing coronary angioplasty.