Unsuspected hyperhomocysteinemia in chronically anticoagulated patients

Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2001 Jan;12(1):79-80. doi: 10.1097/00001721-200101000-00012.

Abstract

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for arterial and venous thrombosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasmatic homocysteine levels in patients under chronic anticoagulant treatment with dietary restriction of green vegetables. This kind of food is a very important source not only of vitamin K but also of folates, which are involved in Hcy metabolism. It is known that the lower the folate levels, the higher the Hcy concentration, so we suspected that these patients could show hyperhomocysteinemia. A group of patients receiving oral anticoagulant treatment and a restricted diet (Group I, n = 20) was compared with a group of untreated subjects of a similar age that were not on a restricted diet (Group II, n = 35). Group I showed significantly higher levels of plasmatic Hcy and significantly lower levels of serum folate than Group II. Therefore, a diet restricted in vitamin K applied to oral anticoagulated patients could induce an unwanted increase of homocysteine levels.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects*
  • Anticoagulants / blood
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diet / standards
  • Folic Acid / blood
  • Homocysteine / blood
  • Humans
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / blood
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / chemically induced*
  • Middle Aged
  • Vegetables
  • Vitamin K / blood
  • Vitamin K / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Homocysteine
  • Vitamin K
  • Folic Acid