title: [Plasma homocysteine levels in patients with transient ischemic attacks].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels in patients with atherotrombotic transient ischemic attacks (TIA), its temporal profile and response to folic acid (FA) treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hcy was determined in 62 patients and in 69 controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no differences (p < 0.87) of baseline Hcy in TIA patients vs controls. Hcy levels were higher 4-6 weeks after TIA (p = 0.02). FA treatment decreases the Hcy levels (p < 0.00001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hyperhomocisteinemia is a possible risk factor for atherothrombotic TIA and should be measured between 4-6 weeks after TIA. Treatment with FA normalizes Hcy levels.
authors.affiliation: Unidad Cerebrovascular, Hospital General Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alvarez Sabín
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Turón
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Montaner
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Malinow
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Codina
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid