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Semin Vasc Med 2005; 5(2): 183-189
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-872403
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.

Homocysteine and Venous Thrombosis

Isabelle Quéré1 , Jean-Christophe Gris2 , Michel Dauzat3
  • 1Department of Vascular Medicine, Saint Eloi University Hospital, 80 Avenue Gaston Fliche, Montpellier, France
  • 2Department of Hematology, Montpellier 1 University, Nîmes, France
  • 3Department of Vascular Medicine, Montpellier 1 University, Nîmes, France
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 July 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Elevated plasma total homocysteine concentration is a risk factor for venous thrombosis. The association is well established in patients with homocystinuria irrespective of the genetic etiology and metabolic background. Homocystinuria is a human model of chronic exposure to very high concentrations of plasma homocysteine and reflects an abnormal amino acid metabolism. Elevated homocysteine levels in patients with venous thrombosis have attracted considerable interest because homocysteine is a potentially reversible thrombophilic marker for venous thrombosis. In contrast to homocystinuria, hyperhomocysteinemia is mild and reflects environmental and constitutional factors such as age, intake of B-vitamins, derangements of metabolism, and renal impairment. This review examines the evidence for the relationship of homocysteine with risk of venous thrombosis in homocystinuria and in the general population.

KEYWORDS

Homocysteine - homocystinuria - venous thromboembolism - children - elderly - MTHFR

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Isabelle QuéréM.D. 

Professor of Vascular Medicine, Department of Vascular Medicine

Saint Eloi University Hospital, 80 Avenue Gaston Fliche

34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France

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