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Hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with arterial occlusive disease

Murat Aksoy1, Yilmaz Basar, Nihal Salmayenli

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Istanbul University, Genel Cerrahi ABD, Capa, Istanbul, Turkey.

Surgery Today
|March 24, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCA) is more prevalent in patients with occlusive vascular disease. Further research is needed to understand its relationship with vitamins and the effectiveness of homocysteine-lowering therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCA) is an established risk factor for atherothrombotic vascular disease.
  • Screening for HHCA is recommended, but its prevalence and characteristics in patients with existing vascular disease are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and characteristics of HHCA in patients with occlusive arterial disease.
  • To compare HHCA levels between patients with and without occlusive vascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • A nonrandomized prospective study involving 56 patients with occlusive arterial disease and 39 controls.
  • Collected demographic data and blood samples for fasting homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels.
  • Followed patients and compared results between groups.

Main Results:

  • Mean homocysteine levels were significantly higher in patients with occlusive arterial disease (12.69 ± 3.82 µmol/l) compared to controls (10.46 ± 5.08 µmol/l).
  • Older patients (≥70 years) with occlusive arterial disease had higher homocysteine levels (13.74 ± 3.02 µmol/l) than younger patients (<70 years) (11.55 ± 4.15 µmol/l).
  • No significant difference in mortality was observed between patients with and without HHCA during follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of HHCA is higher in patients with occlusive vascular disease.
  • The study found no relationship between homocysteine levels and vitamins B12 or folate.
  • Further research is required to elucidate the association with vitamins and the benefits of homocysteine-lowering therapy.
Abstract

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