Increased Homocysteine Levels in MS Patients with Depression
Author Information
Author(s): Triantafyllou Nikolaos, Evangelopoulos Maria-Eleftheria, Kimiskidis Vasilios K, Kararizou Evangelia, Boufidou Fotini, Fountoulakis Konstantinos N, Siamouli Melina, Nikolaou Chrysoula, Sfagos Constantinos, Vlaikidis Nikolaos, Vassilopoulos Dimitrios
Primary Institution: Department of Neurology, Eginitio Hospital, University of Athens, Greece
Hypothesis
Is there an association between plasma homocysteine levels and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis?
Conclusion
Moderately disabled MS patients with elevated homocysteine levels are particularly prone to develop depressive symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- Hcy levels were significantly increased in MS patients compared to controls.
- A significant correlation was found between Hcy levels and BDI scores.
- Plasma Hcy was not related to EDSS score, age, disease duration, or vitamin B12 and folate.
Takeaway
People with multiple sclerosis who have high levels of a substance called homocysteine are more likely to feel depressed.
Methodology
Plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate were measured in 65 MS patients and 60 healthy controls, with depression assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in depression assessment due to overlapping symptoms with MS.
Limitations
The Beck Depression Inventory may overestimate depression in MS patients due to symptom overlap.
Participant Demographics
65 relapsing/remitting MS patients (mean age 39.2 years) and 60 healthy controls (mean age 38.2 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 0.01670 to 0.5426
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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