Serum homocysteine, folate and risk of stroke: Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor (KIHD) Study
Key result
Highest third of serum total homocysteine increased the risk of any stroke (RR 2.77; 95% CI 1.23-6.24), while highest third of serum folate reduced the risk (RR 0.35; 95% CI 0.14-0.87).
Why the study?
Are elevated serum homocysteine and folate levels associated with the risk of stroke in middle-aged men?
Population
1015 men aged 46-64 years, free of prior stroke, from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study…
Comparison
Highest third of serum total homocysteine and… vs Lowest third of serum total homocysteine and…
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
average 9.6 years
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
Supports homocysteine and folate as stroke risk markers in middle-aged men; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective confirmation before practice change.
Study Design
Type
Cohort (n=1,015)
Structured PICO
Are elevated serum homocysteine and folate levels associated with the risk of stroke in middle-aged men?
P
Population
1,015 men aged 46-64 years from eastern Finland, free of prior stroke, followed for an average of 9.6 years.
E
Exposure
Highest third of serum total homocysteine (tHcy) and serum folate levels
C
Comparator
Lowest third of serum total homocysteine (tHcy) and serum folate levels
O
Outcome
Risk of any stroke and ischaemic stroke over an average follow-up of 9.6 yearshard clinical
Main Result
Relative Risk: 2.77 (95% CI 1.23–6.24)
Elevated serum homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of stroke, whereas high serum folate may be protective in middle-aged men.
Cite This Study
Virtanen et al. (2005) conducted a cohort in Stroke (n=1,015). Highest third of serum total homocysteine and serum folate vs. Lowest third was evaluated on any stroke (RR 2.77, 95% CI 1.23-6.24). Highest third of serum total homocysteine increased the risk of any stroke (RR 2.77; 95% CI 1.23-6.24), while highest third of serum folate reduced the risk (RR 0.35; 95% CI 0.14-0.87).