Role of Nutritional Supplementation with Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid on Serum Homocysteine Levels of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis is a common vascular disorder and association of Homocysteine with DVT is known. Evidence of decrease B12 and folic acid levels in DVT with Hyperhomocysteinemia has also been reported. Scanty data is available regarding role of folate and vitamin B12 on Homocysteine levels in DVT patients. The present study was undertaken in 100 patients. Study group comprised of 50 patients who had clinical features suggestive of DVT and 50 patients, who did not have clinical features suggestive of any venous or arterial disorder, were labelled as control group. All the patients of study group were given vitamin B12 and folic acid treatment along with standard treatment of DVT. Serum Homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12 were measured in all the patients in both the groups and estimated by chemiluminescence technology. After 12 weeks of vitamin B12 and folic acid therapy, serum Homocysteine levels, folic acid levels and vitamin B12 levels of study group were again estimated. The collected records and data was analysed statistically by Student t-test and Chi-square test. Mean Homocysteine level in study group was significantly higher as compared to control group (19.63 ± 19.14 µmol/mL vs. 7.0 ± 4.94 µmol/mL). Mean Homocysteine levels before treatment were 19.63 ± 19.14 µmol/mL and after treatment they were significantly reduced. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis. Folic acid and B12 therapy reduced the level of Homocysteine suggesting that this may decrease the chances of recurrence of DVT.