Hyperhomocysteinemia and central retinal vein occlusion in Iranian population.

PURPOSE: To evaluate total plasma homocysteine level during the acute phase of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in the Iranian population and determine whether hyperhomocysteinemia is also a risk factor for CRVO.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients with recently diagnosed CRVO were studied. Their fasting total plasma homocysteine level was compared with a matched control group of 51 patients evaluated in the same clinic for a non-retinal disease diagnosis.

RESULTS

The mean total plasma homocysteine level was 14.76+/-7.67 micromol/l in cases, and 11.42+/-3.74 micromol/l in control subjects. It showed a significant difference (P=0.005) in mean plasma homocysteine level between cases and control group. Odds ratio of CRVO for individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia was 2.88 (95% CI=1.08-7.71 and P=0.03). The overall multivariable-adjusted odds of CRVO in participants with plasma homocysteine level above 15 micromol/l was 4.71 (95% CI=1.46-15.19 and P=0.009) Hyperhomocysteinemia was not statistically different in each age group (<60 years: 27%, 61-70 years: 33.3%, 71-80 years: 31.6%, >81 years: 33.3%, Chi-square test, P=0.98).

CONCLUSION

Elevated total plasma homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for CRVO in Iranian population. In addition to an evaluation of all conventional cardiovascular risk factors, measurement of total homocysteine for evidence of hyperhomocysteinemia may be important in the initial investigation and management of patients with CRVO.