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Hyperhomocysteinemia and deep-vein thrombosis. A case-control study
P Simioni1, P Prandoni, A Burlina
1Institute of Medical Semeiotics, University Hospital of Padua, Italy.
Insights
High homocysteine levels are significantly linked to deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients experiencing symptoms. This study found a 2.6 times higher odds of DVT in individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant clinical concern.
- Elevated homocysteine levels have been investigated as a potential risk factor for thrombotic events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fasting total homocysteine levels and the presence of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in symptomatic outpatients.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted on 208 outpatients suspected of having a first episode of lower limb DVT.
- Fasting total homocysteine levels were measured.
- Contrast venography was used to confirm or exclude DVT.
Main Results:
- DVT was confirmed in 60 patients (28.8%).
- Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 25.0% of patients with DVT versus 11.5% of those without DVT (p = 0.025).
- The odds ratio for acute DVT in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia was 2.6 (95% CI: 1.1-5.9).
Conclusions:
- High plasma homocysteine levels are significantly associated with acute deep-vein thrombosis in symptomatic patients.
- Further research is warranted to understand the clinical implications of this association.
Abstract:
In a case-control study, fasting total homocysteinemia was determined in 208 consecutive outpatients who underwent phlebography because of the first episode of clinically suspected deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs. Contrast venography confirmed the clinical suspicion in 60 patients (28.8%). Hyperhomocysteinemia was detected in 15 of the 60 patients with DVT (25.0%), and in 17 of the 148 subjects without thrombosis (11.5%; p = 0.025). The OR for having an acute DVT in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia was 2.6 (95% CI: 1.1-5.9). It is concluded that high plasma homocysteine levels are significantly associated with DVT in symptomatic patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical implications of this association.