Is hyperhomocysteinemia relevant in patients with celiac disease?

Giovanni Casella1, Gabrio Bassotti, Vincenzo Villanacci

  • 1Division of Internal Medicine, Desio General Hospital, 20033 Desio, Italy.

Insights

Hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 19.3% of celiac disease (CD) patients, but routine screening is not currently recommended due to moderate levels and low cardiovascular event rates.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Metabolism

Background:

  • Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia, elevated homocysteine levels, has been linked to various health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in adult celiac disease patients.
  • To assess if hyperhomocysteinemia is a significant comorbidity in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 165 adult celiac disease patients was evaluated.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia was assessed between January 1998 and December 2008.

Main Results:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia was detected in 32 patients (19.3%).
  • Most cases presented with moderate hyperhomocysteinemia (mean 25 mcg/ml).
  • Only one patient reported a history of myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

  • Systematic screening for hyperhomocysteinemia is not currently justified in celiac disease patients.
  • The clinical significance of moderate hyperhomocysteinemia in CD requires further investigation.
Abstract

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