A cross-sectional study of familial clustering in hyperhomocysteinemia.

BACKGROUND

Hyperhomocysteinemia is correlated with diseases and lifestyle habits. However, there is no epidemiological evidence concerning the distribution and prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in a local community.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to clarify the distribution and prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and the existence or nonexistence of familial clustering.

METHODS

The subjects were participants in the Basic Health Check Service 1999. We administered a questionnaire and obtained blood samples from 865 subjects (306 men, 559 women) who agreed to participate in our study.

RESULTS

Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 52 men (17.0%) and 25 women (4.5%). Ten subjects who had hyperhomosysteinemia ha a family member who also had hyperhomocysteinemia. The odds ratio for hyperhomocysteinemia adjusted for age and sex was 4.77 (p < 0.01, 95% CI = 1.95-11.65).

CONCLUSION

Hyperhomocysteinemia shows familial clustering. Men and elderly persons were more likely to have hyperhomocysteinemia.