Top quintile plasma homocyst(e)ine levels (>10.5 mumol/L) were associated with significantly higher odds of thickened carotid artery walls compared to the bottom quintile (OR 3.15; p<0.001).
Case-Control (n=574)
Yes
Effect estimate: OR 3.15
p-value: p=<0.001
BACKGROUND Plasma levels of homocyst(e)ine are elevated in certain patients with occlusive arterial diseases. We extended these findings to asymptomatic adults. METHODS AND RESULTS We determined plasma homocyst(e)ine levels in 287 pairs of asymptomatic adults. Cases and controls were defined on the basis of intimal-medial thickness of the carotid wall as measured by B-mode ultrasound. Study subjects had no history of atherosclerotic disease and were selected from a probability sample of 15,800 men and women between 45 and 64 years old. Subjects with thickened intimal-medial carotid walls (cases) had higher plasma homocyst(e)ine levels than controls (p 10.5 mumol/L) compared with those in the bottom quintile (< 5.88 mumol/L). CONCLUSIONS The present study as well as observations on the common occurrence of elevated plasma homocyst(e)ine levels in patients with occlusive arterial diseases suggest that clinical trials should be conducted to determine whether normalization of hyperhomocyst(e)inemia may prevent progression of atherosclerosis.
Malinow et al. (Thu,) conducted a case-control in Asymptomatic adults (n=574). Elevated plasma homocyst(e)ine vs. Lower plasma homocyst(e)ine was evaluated on Thickened intimal-medial carotid wall (OR 3.15, p=<0.001). Top quintile plasma homocyst(e)ine levels (>10.5 mumol/L) were associated with significantly higher odds of thickened carotid artery walls compared to the bottom quintile (OR 3.15; p<0.001).