EFFECT OF FOLIC ACID, PYRIDOXINE AND CYANOCOBALAMIN IN REDUCING THE ELEVATED LEVEL OF HOMOCYSTEINE IN ADVANCE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE

Abstract

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced by the body and it can be converted into methionine or cysteine with the aid of B-vitamins and tetrahydrofolate. Renal function is a major determinant of plasma homocysteine concentration, and patients with chronic renal failure have severe hyperhomocysteinemia. The aim of study was to determine the effect of high doses of folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 to reduce the homocysteine levels in chronic kidney disease patients. In present study, 60 renal failure patients fulfilled study criteria. These 60 patients, were divided into two groups of which 30 were selected into control and 30 were recruited in sample. The average of Hcy levels before starting treatment was obtained 31.14 umol/L. After treating patient with folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 for a period of 3 months the average serum homocysteine level was measured and resulted
27.43 umol/L. Our study showed decrease and/or improve in average level of serum homocysteine among end stage renal failure and chronic kidney disease patients who have been received folic acid and vitamin B6 and B12 supplements, compared with controls. Risks due to increased homocysteine causes heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes. Our study concludes that high doses of folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 treatment has improved or decreased the levels of Hcy in patients with renal failure, which in turn has reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. This will improve quality of life of patients and decreases the mortality rate due to cardiovascular disorders.