Homocysteine, Carotid Intima Media Thickness and NIHSS Score: Clinical Relevance in Indian Stroke Patients

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
• Elevated homocysteine (HCY) is a potential risk factor for cerebrovascular disease.
• Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is an indicator of atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of homocysteine (HCY) in stroke.
• To assess the relationship between HCY levels and stroke severity.
• To investigate the association between HCY and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).

Main Methods:

• Recruited 78 patients with acute ischemic stroke.
• Assessed stroke severity using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).
• Measured serum HCY, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and carotid IMT (CCA and ICA).

Main Results:

• 71.93% of patients were hyperhomocysteinemic (HHcyc).
• HHcyc was associated with increased internal carotid artery (ICA) IMT.
• ICA IMT positively correlated with HCY levels (P=0.012) and predicted HHcyc state with high sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcyc) predicts stroke severity.
• ICA IMT measurement can predict elevated HCY levels, potentially reducing the need for HCY testing.
• Routine evaluation of HCY and ICA IMT is suggested for stroke management.