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Document Type

Original Article

Abstract

Introduction:
Various studies show that moderate elevation of plasma homocysteine level has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Objective:
To observe the frequency of increased homocysteine level in ischemic stroke patients; and its association with other risk factors.

Methodology:
Observational pilot study was conducted on a sample of 75 ischemic stroke patients, enrolled regardless of their age, gender and comorbidities, at Ziauddin university hospital, Karachi. Fasting serum homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 levels were measured. Results were interpreted using spss 20.0.

Results and Discussion:
Mean homocysteine level in our population was 19.51 (SD: 11.47)micromol/l. It was higher in groups with vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, difference being statistically significant (p=0.013 and 0.017, respectively). Males had greater propensity to hyperhomocysteinemia; the mean homocysteine value being higher, and the difference, statistically significant (p=0.010). Other factors that affect homocysteine levels were also evaluated, that is hypertension, increased cholesterol levels and smoking. There was no significant statistical difference in the homocysteine value between the groups of patients who had these risk factors and the groups that did not (p=0.747, 0.252 and 0.565, respectively).

Conclusion:
It was speculated that hyperhomocysteinemia is an imperative risk factor for stroke.

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