Serum homocystein level in patients with scleroderma

Background : systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic connective tissue disease. In this study, we compared the serum Homocystein (Hcy) level between patients with SSc and normal control group. Objectives : the current study was conducted to determine whether serum Hcy levels are elevated in SSc patients and whether there is any correlation between Hcy levels and RP, Gastro intestinal and lung involvement. Patients and Methods : Forty one patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SSc (39 females and 5 males) and Forty four communitybased healthy individuals (sex and age matched) were enrolled in to the study. Serum Hcy, vitamin B12, and folate levels were determined. Results: Thirty three patients (70.45%) had GI involvement, twenty two patients (50%) had lung involvement and twenty seven patients (61.36 %) had Raynaud’s phenomena. Mean serum Hcy level in control group was 22.78 ± 6.018 μmol / L and in case group was 19.43 ± 7.205 μmol / L, shows that the serum Hcy level in control group was significantly higher than patients (P = 0.020). Conclusions : serum Hcy level is significantly lower in SSc patients than in control group. There is no statistically significant correlation between serum Hcy level and organ involvements.