Homocysteine and retinal vein occlusion: a population-based study.
OBJECTIVE
To report population data on the association between homocysteinemia and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).


METHODS
Cross-sectional, population-based study.


METHODS
Total serum homocysteine (tHcy) was estimated in subjects attending the second Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES) (n = 3509, aged >49 years). Its association with RVO (graded from retinal photographs) was examined.


RESULTS
Homocysteine was more strongly associated with RVO in younger than older participants. In those aged <70 years, homocysteine levels >15 micromol/l were associated with increased odds of RVO, odds ratio (OR) 3.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-13.40, in multivariable-adjusted analyses. Each 1 micromol/l increase in homocysteine was associated with a 7% increased odds of RVO, OR 1.07; CI 0.99-1.17 (P = .08).


CONCLUSIONS
This population-based study showed that elevated serum homocysteine is associated with the presence of RVO, independent of other risk factors.
Chua
Brian
B
Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
Kifley
Annette
A
Wong
Tien Y
TY
Mitchell
Paul
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors
D006710:Homocysteine