Homocysteine-lowering therapy and carotid intima-media thickness in renal transplant recipients

Transplant Proc. 2005 Jul-Aug;37(6):2491-2. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2005.06.101.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to document, in hyperhomocysteinemic renal transplant recipients, the effect of vitamin supplementation on carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Fifty-six hyperhomocysteinemic stable renal transplant recipients were randomly assigned to either vitamin supplementation (group A) or placebo treatment (group B). All patients underwent high-resolution B mode ultrasound to measure IMT of common carotid arteries before and after 6 months of vitamin supplementation. In group A, cIMT significantly decreased after treatment, whereas no significant changes were observed in group B. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a beneficial effect of the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia by vitamin supplementation on an early sign of atherosclerosis in a group of renal transplant recipients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Carotid Arteries / pathology*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Homocysteine / blood*
  • Humans
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / drug therapy*
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery
  • Kidney Transplantation / physiology*
  • Placebos
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tunica Intima / pathology
  • Tunica Media / pathology
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Vitamins
  • Homocysteine