Plasma homocysteine level and its relationship to clinical profile in Parkinson's disease patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital
Date
2011-09
Authors
Ojo, O.O.
Oladipo, O.O.
Ojini, F.I.
Sanya, E.O.
Danesi, M.A.
Okubadejo, N.U.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
West African College of Physicians and the West African College of Surgeons
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) is as a long-term sequelum of levodopa therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD). Information on its frequency and effects in Africans with PD is sparse.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the frequency of HHcy and its relationship to clinical features of PD in African patients.
METHODS:
Using a case-control design, 40 consecutively attending PD patients and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteering controls were studied. Parkinson's disease cases were evaluated for disease and treatment characteristics, using the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor and activities of daily living scores and disease stage (Hoehn and Yahr scale). Fasting total plasma homocysteine (Hcy) was determined in all subjects. Hyperhomocysteinaemia was defined as a Hcy level above the 90th percentile for the controls.
RESULTS:
Mean Hcy was 13.8 ± 5.4mmol/L in PD and 12.4±3mmol/L in controls (P>0.05). Hyperhomocysteinaemia (Hcy > 16.26umol/L) occurred in nine (22.5%) PD patients (all on levodopa) and 6 (15%) controls (P>0.05). Mean duration of levodopa use was 92 ± 105.3 months in PD with HHcy compared to PD patients with normal Hcy 33.9 ± 33.2 (p < 0.05). Disease severity and disability were similar regardless of Hcy levels. None of current age, disease duration, Hoehn and Yahr stage, UPDRS scores, total levodopa dose and duration was independent predictor of homocysteine level.
CONCLUSION:
There is increased occurrence of hyper-homocysteinaemia in Nigerian subjects with Parkinson's disease, receiving Levodopa. This hyperhomocysteinaemia is more common with prolonged use but appears to have no relationship with disease severity or disability.
Description
Keywords
Parkinson disease , Biomarkers , Homocysteine , Severity , Clinical profile , Nigeria , Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE
Citation
Ojo OO, Oladipo OO, Ojini FI, Sanya EO, Danesi MA, Okubadejo NU. Plasma homocysteine level and its relationship to clinical profile in Parkinson's disease patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. West Afr J Med. 2011 Sep-Oct;30(5):319-24.