ASSOCIATION OF HOMOCYSTEINE AND ISCHEMIC STROKE IN PAKISTANI POPULATION
Main Article Content
Keywords
Ischemic stroke, blood flow, health challenge
Abstract
Introduction: Ischemic stroke, characterized by a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain due to a blockage in a blood vessel, poses a significant health challenge worldwide.
Objectives: The main objective of the study is to find the association of homocysteine and ischemic stroke in Pakistani population.
Methodology of the study: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad during April 2022 to October 2022. A total of 185 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke were included in the study. Patients underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation conducted by a neurologist to confirm the diagnosis of ischemic stroke and collected detailed medical history. The data captured of this risk factors comprised of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking status.
Results: The study included 185 patients with a mean age of 52.34 ± 10.01 years, ranging from 40 to 85 years. Among the participants, 70% were male and 30% were female. The average serum homocysteine level was 15.8 ± 4.2 µmol/L, with 45% showing folate deficiency and 35% exhibiting vitamin B12 deficiency. Hypertension was present in 75% of patients, diabetes in 60%, and 40% had a history of smoking. The mean NIHSS score, indicating stroke severity, was 10.3 ± 3.9. The distribution of homocysteine levels among the patients revealed that 30% had levels between 13.0 and 15.0 µmol/L, 25% had levels between 15.1 and 17.0 µmol/L, and 13% had levels above 17.0 µmol/L. A total of 68% of patients exhibited elevated homocysteine levels (above 13.0 µmol/L), with a mean homocysteine level of 15.8 ± 4.2 µmol/L.
Conclusion: It is concluded that elevated homocysteine levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in the Pakistani population. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and managing homocysteine levels, particularly in individuals with additional stroke risk factors and nutritional deficiencies.
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Dr Lal Shehbaz
Assistant Professor Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University and Hospital, Karachi
Dr Shafqat Hussain
Specialist Neurology, Sultan Qabood University Hospital, Oman
Dr Aurangzeb Kalhoro
Assistant Professor Neurosurgery, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro
Dr Shua Nasir
Associate Professor Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University and Hospital, Karachi
Dr. Zahid Abbas
Assistant Professor Neurology, Nishtar Medical University, Multan
Dr Husnain Hashim
Consultant Neurologist and Stroke Specialist, Head of Neurology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi