Plasma Homocysteine Concentrations in Adolescents With Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Objective: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for premature atherosclerotic vascular disease and venous thrombosis. The aim of the present study was to assess plasma total homocysteine (tHCys) concentrations in adolescent patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Patients and Methods: Nineteen patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and 19 healthy children were studied. Fasting plasma concentrations of tHCys and its putative determinants (plasma concentrations of free thyroxine [FT4], folate, vitamin B-12 and renal function) were measured. Results: tHCys concentrations showed no statistical difference between patients and controls (p >0.05). Moreover, the difference in tHCys and total cholesterol concentrations was not significant between patients with mild TSH elevations (less than or equal to10 mIU/l) and patients with prominent TSH elevations (>10 mIU/l). No correlation was found between tHCys concentrations and its putative determinants. Conclusions: We concluded that plasma tHCys concentrations were not increased in adolescent patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.