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Hyperhomocystinemia in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
Igal Leibovitch1, Shimon Kurtz, Gabi Shemesh
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel. lleibo@bezeqint.net
Journal of Glaucoma
|February 5, 2003
Summary
Elevated homocysteine levels (hyperhomocystinemia) are significantly more common in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. This finding suggests a potential link between hyperhomocystinemia and this form of glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a common cause of secondary glaucoma.
- Vascular diseases are more prevalent in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hyperhomocystinemia in patients diagnosed with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
- To explore the potential association between elevated homocysteine levels and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 30 patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and 30 age-matched controls.
- Plasma homocysteine levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography.
- Hyperhomocystinemia was defined as homocysteine levels exceeding 15 micromol/L.
Main Results:
- Glaucoma patients exhibited significantly higher mean plasma homocysteine levels (16.80 ± 3.20 µmol/L) compared to controls (12.39 ± 1.97 µmol/L).
- Fifty percent of glaucoma patients (15/30) presented with hyperhomocystinemia, versus only 10% of controls (3/30).
- The difference in hyperhomocystinemia prevalence between groups was statistically significant (P=0.0015).
Conclusions:
- Hyperhomocystinemia is significantly associated with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
- This association may contribute to the elevated risk of vascular complications observed in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.