Objectives: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) have been associated with cerebrovascular events, cardiac diseases and vascular thrombosis. HHcy is caused by cyanocobalamin and folate deficiencies. Diverticula of the colon (DC) is caused by herniation of the colonic mucosa and submucosa. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum homocysteine levels in patients with DC. Methods: We consecutively evaluated 115 patients (65 male, mean age 65±12.1 years) with DC. Baseline serum levels of homocystein, folate and vitamin B12 were retrospectively obtained from hospital data. Plasma homocystein was measured by high performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. Diagnosis of DC was done by colonoscopy. The chi-squared test and independentt test were used for comparison. Results: DC patients had significantly higher levels of homocysteine compared with normal levels (16.4±11.2 ?g/l; normal ranges 0-12 ?g/l). Otherhand, mean vitamin B12 level was 470±317mg/dl and theme an folate level was 9.3±4.3 mg/dl. According to multiple logistic regression, HHcy developed more with aging and male gender was a strong risk factor for HHcy (all p<0.001). Conclusion: Screening for HHcy should be recommended in subjects with DC. HHcy could also lead to DC. Particularly, elderly male patients with DC should be treated with folate and ciyanocobalamine if laboratory data indicates features of HHcy. Keywords: Colon, diverticula, hyperhomocysteinemia
Corresponding Author: Raziye Turan