We get regular requests for homocysteine and all are rejected [except
paediatric homocystinaemia cases - although we have yet to actually have
one of these so it makes little difference], on the grounds that there
is no convincing evidence that measuring homocystine is beneficial. We
do suggest that if they can provide us with data from a large clinical
trial in which homocysteine data was shown to be valuable, we will
reconsider our decision.
No GP has ever complained. And no one has ever given us the data either.
TIM
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**************
Prof. Tim Reynolds
Consultant Chemical Pathologist
Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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-----Original Message-----
From: Clinical biochemistry discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stuart Jones
Sent: 28 June 2011 15:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Homocysteine and dementia
A GP contacted us today asking why a homocysteine request had not been
processed in one of his patients. Since we refer samples for
homocysteine this request had been flagged for vetting and subsequently
rejected because the only details provided were ?Alzheimer's.
Further questioning revealed that the patient had completed an online
Cognitive Function Test through a website, www.foodforthebrain.org,
which had generated a report suggesting her GP measure plasma
homocysteine. The report suggests supplementing with B12, folate and B6
if homocysteine is above 9.5umol/L (referral lab's range 5.0-15.0) to
"reduce the rate of brain shrinkage and memory decline".
Has anybody come across similar requests?
Is there any evidence that such testing is of benefit in these patients?
Thanks
Stuart
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