Plasmahomocysteine Levels in Retinal Vascular Occlusive Disease

Dr. Sadiya Aijaz ^[3] | Dr. Younis Ahmad Dar ^[3] | Dr. Sidra Javaid ^[3] | Dr. Sehrish Deva ^[3]

Abstract: Background: A moderately elevated plasma concentration of the sulphur amino acid homocysteine is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease. This study was done to assess the relationship between retinal vascular occlusive disease and total plasmahomocysteine level (tHcy). Methods: A prospective case - control study involving hospital based controls and cases with retinal artery occlusion, centralretinal vein occlusion (including hemiretinal vein occlusion), and branch retinal vein occlusion was performed. The relation between elevated plasma homocysteine level (tHcy), defined as a level greater than or equal to 12 ?mol/l and risk of retinal vascular occlusive disease was examined. Results: 87 cases of retinal vascular occlusive disease were considered. This included 26 cases of retinal artery occlusion, 40cases with central retinal vein occlusion, and 21 cases of branchretinal vein occlusion. The cases were compared with 87 age matched controls. Mean tHcy levels were higher in all disease groups and this difference was significant in patients with retinal artery occlusions (p= 0.032) and patients with central retinal vein occlusion (p=0.0001). When adjusted for known cardiovascular risk factors, tHcy was an independent risk factor for retinal vascular occlusive disease (OR2.85 (95%CI1.43?5.68)). Conclusions: Elevated total plasma homocysteine level (tHcy) is an independent risk factor for retinal vascular occlusive disease.

Keywords: Plasmahomocysteine

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 12, December 2022,

Pages: 632 - 635