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Mild hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk-factor in all etiological subtypes of stroke

L Parnetti1, V Caso, A Santucci

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Stroke Unit, University of Perugia, Via Enrico dal Pozzo, I-06126 Perugia, Italy. parnetti@unipg.it

Neurological Sciences : Official Journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology
|April 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine levels are confirmed as an independent risk factor for all stroke types. Routine measurement and treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia are recommended for stroke patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a potential independent risk factor for stroke.
  • Confirmation of its role and interaction with conventional risk factors is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the association between plasma homocysteine levels and stroke risk.
  • To investigate the interaction between mild hyperhomocysteinemia and conventional vascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • 161 first-ever ischemic stroke patients (TOAST criteria) and 152 healthy controls were studied.
  • Plasma homocysteine levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Mean homocysteine levels were significantly higher in stroke patients (13.0-17.8 micromol/l) compared to controls (8.10 micromol/l).
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia was an independent risk factor across all stroke subtypes.
  • Hypertension (OR=3.205) and hyperlipidemia (OR=2.243) were also significant independent risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for all stroke subtypes.
  • Routine measurement and treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia should be considered in stroke patients.

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