Hyperhomocysteinemia and thrombosis.

It has been known for some time that patients with homocystinuria are at an increased risk for both venous and arterial thrombosis. More recently it has been found that even moderate increases in homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk for deep venous thrombosis, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction and peripheral vascular disease. It is possible, with the use of folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, to correct the elevated homocysteine levels but it has not yet been demonstrated that by doing so the natural history of the disorder is altered.