Hyperhomocysteinemia is a weak to moderate risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE); its role in the presence of other factors was less studied. A case control study including 127 hospitalized patients with VTE and 100 controls was performed. Hyperhomocysteinemia (defined by values more than 12 micromoli/L.) was analyzed as frequency and association with VTE, taking into account the frequency of other risk factors: age, previous VTE, family history, recent surgery, medical conditions (such as congestive heart failure, acute respiratory failure, prolonged immobility, stroke or paralysis, cancer, acute infections, obesity, dehydration, varicose veins, inflammatory bowel diseases, nephrotic syndrome, hormonal treatment). Hyperhomocysteinemia, found in 66.14% of VTE cases and 55% controls, was associated with a 1.7 time higher risk of VTE. The risk was 2.8 times greater in case of the intervention of hyperhomocysteinemia and at least one other above-mentioned risk factor. Multivariate analysis considering these risk factors showed hyperhomocysteinemia as an independent risk factor for VTE, p=0.03. The significant association of hyperhomocysteinemia with VTE persisted when considering  the factors increasing the values of homocysteine: smoking, age, cancer, which can also contribute to the increase of the thrombotic risk. In conclusion, hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for VTE that should be taken into account.

Cristina Hotoleanu graduated the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She is Doctor in Medicine, Senior Specialist in Internal Medicine, Specialist in Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases and telehealth consultant. She has competence in echocardiography and vascular ultrasound. Her experience includes more than 20 years of medical and research activity. She is the author/co-author of 17 books/chapters in books and of more than 30 articles in medical journals. She is also the recipient of various awards for her activity.