Screening Power of MTHFR C677T Polymorphism vs Plasma Homocysteine in Carotid Artery Stenosis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Robert Loncar, Barbara T. Müller, Reiner B. Zotz, Christof Sucker, Wilhelm Sandmann, Rüdiger E. Scharf
Primary Institution: Heinrich Heine University Medical Center Duesseldorf, Germany
Hypothesis
Is the screening power of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism more effective than plasma homocysteine concentration in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis?
Conclusion
Plasma homocysteine concentration is a more effective screening tool for patients at risk of internal carotid artery stenosis than the MTHFR C677T polymorphism.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean plasma homocysteine concentration was significantly higher in patients with ICA stenosis compared to controls.
- Patients with the T-allele had higher plasma homocysteine concentrations than CC patients.
- The positive predictive value of plasma homocysteine concentration was 0.82, indicating its effectiveness in screening.
Takeaway
This study found that measuring a substance called homocysteine in the blood is better for spotting problems in the carotid artery than looking for a specific gene change.
Methodology
A case-control study with 96 patients and 96 healthy controls, measuring plasma homocysteine and assessing the MTHFR C677T polymorphism.
Limitations
The study may not be applicable to the general population due to the specific patient selection.
Participant Demographics
96 patients aged 40-87 years, 23% women and 77% men; 96 healthy controls aged 45-83 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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