title: Hyperhomocysteinaemia and chronic venous ulcers.
abstract: Chronic venous ulceration (CVU) is the major cause of chronic wounds of lower extremities, and is a part of the complex of chronic venous disease. Previous studies have hypothesised that several thrombophilic factors, such as hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy), may be associated with chronic venous ulcers. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of HHcy in patients with venous leg ulcers and the effect of folic acid therapy on wound healing. Eighty-seven patients with venous leg ulcers were enrolled in this study to calculate the prevalence of HHcy in this population. All patients underwent basic treatment for venous ulcer (compression therapy ± surgical procedures). Patients with HHcy (group A) received basic treatment and administered folic acid (1·2 mg/day for 12 months) and patients without HHcy (group B) received only basic treatment. Healing was assessed by means of computerised planimetry analysis. The prevalence of HHcy among patients with chronic venous ulcer enrolled in this study was 62·06%. Healing rate was significantly higher (P < 0·05) in group A patients (78·75%) compared with group B patients (63·33%). This study suggests a close association, statistically significant, between HHcy and CVU. Homocysteine-lowering therapy with folic acid seems to expedite wound healing. Despite these aspects, the exact molecular mechanisms between homocysteine and CVU have not been clearly defined and further studies are needed.
authors: Department of Medical and Surgical Science, School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology, International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: de Franciscis
authors: Giovambattista
authors: G
authors: De Sarro
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Longo
authors: Gianluca
authors: G
authors: Buffone
authors: Vincenzo
authors: V
authors: Molinari
authors: Domenico M
authors: DM
authors: Stillitano
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Gallelli
authors: Raffaele
authors: R
authors: Serra
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid
keywords: Chronic venous disease; Chronic venous ulceration; Hyperhomocysteinaemia; Thrombophilia; Venous leg ulcer