Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities in Tunisian patients

Abstract

Objectives: To test the association between hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower extremities in Tunisians. Design and methods: This case–control study included 90 patients with DVT of the lower extremities and 160 healthy controls. Plasma homocysteine, vitamin B 12 and folate were determined using immunoenzymatic methods. Logistic regression models were performed to test whether the association between HHC and DVT is independent and to precise determinants of HHC in DVT patients. Results: Plasma total homocysteine concentrations were significantly higher in patients with DVT (17.4 ± 11.5 μmol/L) and in patients with idiopathic DVT (15.2 ± 6.4 μmol/L) as compared to controls (11.5 ± 3.3 μmol/L). HHC was significantly associated ( p < 0.001) with all DVT (OR, 8.82; 95% CI, 3.96–19.6) as well as idiopathic DVT (OR, 7.40; 95% CI, 3.01–10.8). These associations persisted after adjustment for several thrombosis risk factors. In patients with DVT, HHC was related to folate and vitamin B 12 concentrations, but neither to the type of occurrence nor to the recurrence of DVT. Conclusion: HHC is independently associated with first DVT of lower extremities in Tunisians. Homocysteine should be assessed in patients with DVT and the effect of vitamin B supplementation should be tested among them.