Plasma Homocystein elevelsin subjects with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and non- DVT

Background: More recently, hyperhomocysteinemia was considered potentially as a reversible risk factor for venous thromboembolism. Mild hyperhomocysteinemia occurs in approximately 5 to 7 percent of the general population. This study investigates the plasma homocysteine concentration of patients with and without deep venous thrombosis.

Methods: This descriptive case -control study was done on 50 consecutive hospitalised patients with DVT and 50 individuals without DVT. Both groups were equalized with regards to factors such as age, sex, body mass index. The DVT of subjects was diagnosed by Doppler Sonography. Then theirfasting plasma homocysteine was measured.

Results: The mean level of homocysteine in patient and control groups were (20.48 ± 10.30, 18.06±7.67 μmol ∕ lit) respectively which have no statistically significant difference. (p=0.185). Eight % of patients had plasma homocysteine levels above the 95th percentile for the controls, as compared with 4% of the controls with a matched odds ratio of 2.09; 95 % CI: 0.365–11.95. The mean level of plasma homocysteine in individuals with HTN (23.21±10.42) were higher than the others (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The mean plasma homocysteine​ ​in both groups was above the normal range, but unlike other studies, there was no difference between them. On the other hand, lower homocysteine​​levels in pregnant women who used vitamin supplements (folate) suggest possible cofactor vitamins deficiency at the community level.