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Study on relationships among deep vein thrombosis, homocysteine & related B group vitamins
Meral Ekim1, Hasan Ekim2, Yunus Keser Yilmaz3
1Meral Ekim, MD, PhD. Bozok University School of Health, Yozgat, Turkey.
Insights
Hyperhomocysteinemia may increase deep venous thrombosis (DVT) risk, especially in women over 40. Folate deficiency is common in DVT patients, suggesting folate therapy could be beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is a debated risk factor for deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
- Prevalence of vitamin deficiencies (folate, B6, B12) in DVT patients is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients diagnosed with DVT.
- To assess the levels of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Sixty DVT patients (age 23-84) were evaluated for demographic data and serum levels of homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, and B6.
- DVT diagnosis was confirmed using Wells score, D-dimer levels, and lower limb deep venous Doppler ultrasonography.
Main Results:
- Mean homocysteine levels were higher in patients over 40 (10.81±4.26 µmol/L) compared to younger patients (9.13±3.23 µmol/L).
- Elevated homocysteine (>15µmol/L) was found in 9 patients. Deficiencies included folic acid (26 patients), vitamin B12 (1 patient), and vitamin B6 (2 patients).
- In hyperhomocysteinemic patients, low folic acid was observed in 5, low vitamin B12 in 1, and low vitamin B6 in 2.
Conclusions:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia may be a risk factor for DVT in women over 40.
- Folate deficiency appears to correlate with elevated homocysteine levels.
- Folate therapy is a potential intervention for DVT patients, warranting further research into molecular mechanisms.
Objectives:
Hyperhomocysteinemia has been considered as a potential risk factor for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) but it is still controversy. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with DVT. Our second objective was to document the prevalence of folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 level in this patient population.
Methods:
Sixty patients with DVT aged from 23 to 84 years, were assessed regarding demographic characteristics, serum levels of homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. The diagnosis of DVT was based upon Wells scoring system and serum D-dimer level and confirmed by deep venous Doppler ultrasonography of the lower limbs.
Results:
Mean serum homocysteine levels were found significantly higher in patients over the age of 40 years (10.81±4.26 µmol/L vs 9.13±3.23 µmol/L). Of all the patients, 9 patients had homocysteine level above the 15µmol/L, 26 had folic acid level below 3 ng/ml, one had vitamin B12 level below 150 pmol/L, and two had vitamin B6 level below 30 nmol/L. In the hyperhomocysteinemic group, five patients had low folic acid level, one had low vitamin B12 level, and two had low vitamin B6 level.
Conclusions:
Hyperhomocysteinemia, in women older than 40 years, may be a risk factor for DVT. Folic acid deficiency may also influence serum homocysteine concentrations. Folate therapy may be offered to the patients with DVT. However further studies are required to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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