The frequency of Raynaud’s phenomenon in patients with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation and hyperhomocysteinemia

Background/aim: Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is not a rare health problem; global prevalence is about 3%–20%. Etiology andpathophysiology of this pathology has not been clarified. There are many precipitating factors resulting in RP. Hyperhomocysteinemiaresulting from methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation may have a role in its etiology. The aim of this study was toobserve the frequency of RP in patients with MTFHR gene mutation and hyperhomocysteinemia. Possible relationships among vitaminB12, folic acid, complete blood count (leukocytes and platelets), and c-reactive protein levels and RP were also analyzed.Materials and methods: A total of 388 patients admitted to the internal medicine, hematology, and obstetric clinics of a universityhospital between January 2012 and April 2013 ranging in age from 21 to 83 (mean age 38.16 ± 13.1) were enrolled in the study. Eightyfive (21.9%) of the patients were male and 303 (78.1%) were female. MTHFR gene mutation was analyzed in 388 patients; 52 (13.4%)were homozygous, 275 (70.9%) were heterozygous, and 61 (15.7%) were found to be negative for the MTHFR gene mutation andaccepted as a control group. Vitamin B12, folic acid, complete blood count (leukocytes and platelets), and c-reactive protein levels werealso analyzed.Results: Homocysteine levels were higher in both heterozygous and homozygous groups (P < 0.05). RP was more frequently observedin patients with elevated homocysteine levels (P < 0.05; X2 = 14.51). There was no significant relationship in other parameters studied.Conclusion: RP was more frequently observed in the groups with the MTHFR mutation and hyperhomocysteinemia. Serumhomocysteine levels in patients with RP may be helpful for diagnosis.

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