Özet:

Ischemic strokes are mostly caused by atherosclerosis, and increased homocysteine levels are considered to play a role in atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate serum total homocysteine (tHcy) levels in the first 24 h of ischemic stroke patients and to analyze the correlation between tHcy levels and the clinical severity of ischemic stroke. The study included a total of 151 participants including a patient group of 83 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and a control group of 68 age- and gender-matched subjects with no history of ischemic vascular diseases between June 2006 and December 2007. Demographic characteristics of were recorded for each participant and stroke severity was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in each patient. Serum tHcy, vitamin B12, folic acid, and fibrinogen levels as well as platelet count and lipid profiles were measured for each participant. Serum tHcy levels were significantly higher and the folic acid levels were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.001, p=0.009, respectively). A negative correlation was found between folic acid and serum tHcy levels and a moderately positive correlation was found between tHcy and age and total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. The covariate analysis of the risk factors adjusted for tHcy indicated that the tHcy levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between the homocysteine levels and the stroke severity. Serum tHcy level was increased in acute ischemic stroke. Moreover, although the increased tHcy level did not indicate stroke severity, it can be considered as a major risk factor for ischemic stroke.

Anahtar Kelimeler: