Plasma homocysteine levels in patients with transient ischemic attacks

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels in patients with at herotrombotic transient ischemic attacks (TIA), its temporal profile and re sponse to folic acid (FA) treatment, PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hcy was determined in 62 patients and in 69 controls. RESULTS: There were no differences (p < 0.87) of baseline Hey in TIA patie nts vs controls. Hey levels were higher 4-6 weeks after TIA (p = 0.02). FA treatment decreases the Hey levels (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Hyperhomocisteinemia is a possible risk factor for atherothromb otic TIA and should be measured between 4-6 weeks after TIA. Treatment with FA normalizes Hoy level.