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Hyperhomocysteinemia as risk factor for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in newborn infants
Marije Hogeveen1, Henk J Blom, Marjolein Van Amerongen
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Insights
Elevated plasma total homocysteine levels are linked to a higher risk of stroke in newborn infants. This study found significantly higher concentrations in infants with stroke, indicating a potential biomarker for neonatal stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric medicine
Background:
- Stroke is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity.
- Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) is an amino acid derivative implicated in vascular health.
- The role of hyperhomocysteinemia in neonatal stroke requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma total homocysteine concentrations and the incidence of stroke in newborn infants.
- To determine if elevated tHcy levels are a risk factor for neonatal stroke.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing plasma tHcy concentrations in infants with neonatal stroke and healthy controls.
- Measurement of plasma total homocysteine levels using standard biochemical assays.
- Statistical analysis to compare mean tHcy levels and calculate odds ratios.
Main Results:
- Neonatal stroke cases (n=24) exhibited significantly higher mean plasma tHcy concentrations (9.3 micromol/L) compared to healthy controls (n=94, 7.4 micromol/L).
- An odds ratio of 3.95 (95% CI 1.53-10.16) for neonatal stroke was observed at an 80th percentile cutoff level for tHcy.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma total homocysteine concentrations are significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke in newborn infants.
- Plasma tHcy may serve as a potential biomarker for identifying neonates at risk for stroke.
- Further research is warranted to explore the etiological mechanisms and clinical implications.
Abstract:
We studied the association between plasma total homocysteine concentrations and the occurrence of stroke in newborn infants (n = 24). Newborn infants with stroke had significantly higher mean total homocysteine concentrations compared with 94 healthy newborn infants (9.3 vs 7.4 micromol/L). The odds ratio for neonatal stroke was 3.95 (95" CI 1.53-10.16) at the 80" cutoff level.