Association of Homocysteine Level with Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Studies on the prognostic value of homocysteine level have yielded controversial results in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic utility of homocysteine among patients with AIS in terms of recurrent stroke, poor functional outcome or all-cause mortality. Methods: Two independent authors searched the articles published in PubMed and Embase databases prior to March 31, 2020. Original studies that investigated the value of homocysteine level in predicting recurrent stroke, poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥ 3) or all-cause mortality in AIS patients were eligible. Results: Eleven articles (10 studies) that enrolled 19,435 patients with AIS were included. Meta-analysis indicated that the patients with the highest homocysteine level had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR] 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-1.55). However, elevated homocysteine level was not significantly associated with recurrent stroke (RR 1.28; 95% CI 0.99-1.65) or poor functional outcome (RR 1.71; 95% CI 0.77-3.83). Conclusion: Elevated homocysteine level is independently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality but not recurrent stroke or poor functional outcome in patients with AIS. However, additional well-designed studies are required to confirm the findings of this meta-analysis.