Homocysteine as an Independent Risk Factor for Cerebral Ischemic Stroke in South Indian Population in Rural Tertiary Care Centre

Objective: Cerebral ischemic stroke is a life threatening neurological disorder leads to mortality and long term disability in survival patients. Atherosclerosis is a common cause of ischemic strokes which inturn predisposes thromboembolism and than triggers thrombotic strokes or transient ischemic attacks. The atherogenic nature of homocysteine plays a vital role in the development of cardiac or cerebral ischemic strokes. The purpose of this case control study was to corelate homocysteine in cerebral ischemic stroke patients. Method: This study was done at the Department of Medicine, DR. PSIMS & RF foundation Chinaoutpally, A.P.India between March 2011 to March 2013. In this study, we recruited patients of ischemic non cardioembolic stroke with history of sudden onset of focal neurological deficit lasted more than 24 hours. Results: The mean homocystein levels in cases were 17.58 + 10.3 statistically significant than controls 6.34 + 4.22(p< 0.05). Mean homocystein levels of cerebral ischemic stroke males were 19.21 ± 12.1statistically significant than controls 7.428 ± 4.091 (p 0.05). Mean homocystein levels of cerebral ischemic stroke females were 14.86 ± 5.34 statistically significant than controls 4.536 ± 3.844 (<0.05). Presence of hyperhomocysteinemia in 59cases and 6 controls, statistically significant than controls (p <0.05), among in males, hyperhomocysteinemia in 40 cerebral ischemic stroke patients than control (4) group, statistically significant than controls ( p <0.05) Conclusions: Elevated serum homocysteine is a strong and modifiable risk factor of cerebral ischemic strokes. Many studies are showed the significance of development of complications like cardiac and cerebral vascular events. We support the consideration of serum homocysteine as a regular and routine screening marker to protect target organ damage.