A cross-sectional study of familial clustering in hyperhomocysteinemia.

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is correlated with diseases and lifestyle habits. However, there is no epidemiological evidence concerning the distribution and prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in a local community.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the distribution and prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and the existence or nonexistence of familial clustering.
Methods: The subjects were participants in the Basic Health Check Service 1999. We administered a questionnaire and obtained blood samples from 865 subjects (306 men, 559 women) who agreed to participate in our study.
Results: Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 52 men (17.0%) and 25 women (4.5%). Ten subjects who had hyperhomosysteinemia ha a family member who also had hyperhomocysteinemia. The odds ratio for hyperhomocysteinemia adjusted for age and sex was 4.77 (p < 0.01, 95% CI = 1.95-11.65).
Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia shows familial clustering. Men and elderly persons were more likely to have hyperhomocysteinemia.
(Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.)