Does lowering hyperhomocysteinemia by folic acid beneficial for oculo-behcet's disease? a pilot study

ABSTRACT

To determine the effect of folic acid supplementation in Behset's disease [BD] patients with ocular involvement associated with hyperhomocysteinemia [Hhcys]. 19 BD patients, all with uveitis and/or retinal vasculitis associated with Hhcys [plasma hey > 15 /Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 11 patients that received folic acide [15 mg/d] in addition to their previous standard treatment. Group 2 included 8 patients treated only with their previous standard treatment. Visual acuity and uveitis attacks were assessed initially and monthly at each visit in all groups. Mean Visual acuity and frequency of uveitis attacks were evaluated quarterly. In group 1, the mean plasma hcys level was significantly lower after than before the treatment period [27.7 vs 13.1 /patients. Frequency of uveitis attacks was significantly lower after than before treatment at each quarter in group 1 and mean visual acuity in this group increased from 4.33 to 5.44 decimals. During the treatment period, the mean number of uveitis attacks, converted to frequency per 12 months were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. During this period, the VA slightly increased in group 1 and decreased in group 2 but the difference was not significant. Our results indicate that folates supplementation is useful for BD patients with Hhcys