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Elevated C-Reactive Protein, Homocysteine Values In Hypothyroidism Possible Risk Factor For Coronary Heart Disease
A DGReview of :"Elevated C-reactive protein and homocysteine values: cardiovascular risk factors in hypothyroidism? A cross-sectional and a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial."
Atherosclerosis
02/10/2003
By Veronica Rose
Increased elevated C-reactive protein accompanies progressive thyroid failure, possibly proving to be an additional risk factor for developing coronary heart disease in patients with hypothyroidism.
An association between hypothyroidism and premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease was already known to exist. Now, following the recent emergence of C-reactive protein (CRP) and total homocysteine (tHcy) as additional cardiovascular risk factors, Swiss endocrinologists at University Hospitals in Basel investigated both values.
Initially, they investigated CRP and tHcy in varied severities of primary hypothyroidism a double -blind placebo-controlled trial. A second study evaluated L-thyroxine therapy effects on patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).
Participants included 124 hypothyroid patients, (63 subclinical and 61 overt hypothyroidism [OH]) and 40 euthyroid controls.
Two immunoassay measurements, a latex-based high sensitivity to measure C-reactive protein and a fluorescence polarisation for tHcy values, were used. Researchers noted that the tHcy levels were considerably elevated in patients with overt hypothyroidism. A significant increase for this group and those with subclinical hypothyroidism was also noted in C-reactive protein.
The tHcy levels were not augmented in subclinical hypothyroidism in comparison with the controls. In addition, a univariate analysis indicated a significant correlation between tHcy and fT4, vitamin B12, folic acid and creatinine levels. In multiple regression analysis, however, only fT4 significantly affected tHcy.
No correlation was seen between CRP and thyroid hormones and in subclinical hypothyroidism researchers noted L-T4 replacement did not significantly affect either tHcy or CRP levels.
Atherosclerosis February 2003;166:2:379-386.
"Elevated C-reactive protein and homocysteine values: cardiovascular risk factors in hypothyroidism? A cross-sectional and a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial."
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