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Association between hyperhomocysteinemia and primary pulmonary hypertension
Alejandro C Arroliga1, Sunder Sandur, Donald W Jacobsen
1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue-G62, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. arrolia@ccf.org
Respiratory Medicine
|July 12, 2003
Summary
Patients with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) have significantly higher homocysteine levels than healthy individuals. Elevated homocysteine may play a role in PPH development, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Hematology
Background:
- Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide.
- The underlying pathophysiology of PPH is not fully understood.
- Hyperhomocysteinemia has been implicated in various vascular pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and PPH.
- To compare tHcy levels in PPH patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 18 PPH patients with 36 age- and sex-matched controls.
- Measurement of plasma total homocysteine, serum folate, vitamin B-12, and serum creatinine.
- Statistical analysis to compare levels and identify correlations.
Main Results:
- 44.4% of PPH patients had elevated tHcy levels compared to 8.3% of controls (OR 8.8, P=0.005).
- PPH patients exhibited significantly higher mean plasma tHcy levels.
- An inverse correlation was observed between tHcy levels and creatinine clearance in PPH patients (P=0.036).
Conclusions:
- PPH patients are significantly more likely to have hyperhomocysteinemia.
- Elevated plasma total homocysteine is a potential contributing factor in PPH pathogenesis.
- Further research into homocysteine-lowering strategies for PPH prevention is warranted.