Homocysteine levels in plasma of cataract patients with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Purpose. To compare serum homocysteine levels in cataract patients with and without pseudoexfoliation (PXF). Patients and Methods. This study included 29 patients with cataract and PXF syndrome, as well as 29 age- and sex-matched controls with cataract but without PXF syndrome. Patients with systemic and ocular conditions known to be associated with hyperhomocysteinemia were excluded from the study. Results. The mean serum homocysteine level was significantly elevated among patients with cataract and PXF syndrome when compared to those without PXF syndrome (16.61 vs. 11.67 mu mol/L; P = .01). The percentage of patients with PXF syndrome and elevated serum homocysteine was significantly higher than in patients without PXF syndrome (56% vs. 14%; P<.0001). Logistic regression analysis identified elevation in plasma homocysteine levels as a significant risk factor for the development of PXF syndrome (odds ratio = 8.85; 95% confidence interval, 2.40-32.12). Conclusion. Hyperhomocysteinemia is significantly associated with PXF syndrome in patients with cataract .