Relationship between Serum Homocysteine Levels and Mortality in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated COVID-19 Patients

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the difference in homocysteine levels between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients and determine the relationship between blood homocysteine levels and prognosis in hospitalized patients due to COVID-19.
Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in our hospital on 50 patients, 19 (38%) males and 31 (62%) females, who were hospitalized due to COVID-19. The patients were divided into two groups: vaccinated and unvaccinated. White blood cell count, lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein, D-dimer levels, and homocysteine levels taken at the time of hospitalization of the patients included in the study were evaluated.
Results: The mean age of all patients included in the study was 66.1±16.16 years. Of the included patients, 22 (44%) were vaccinated and 28 (56%) were unvaccinated. As a clinical prognosis, 32 patients (64%) were followed up in the ward. Twelve (24%) patients were intubated and discharged after treatment. However, 6 (12%) patients were intubated and unfortunately died. Six of the patients included in the study were mortal. Among these patients, 1 was vaccinated and 5 were not vaccinated. The mean D-dimer level of these patients was 965.16±544.39. All expired patients were hyperhomocysteinemic, and the mean homocysteine levels were 18.18±5.8 μmol/L in this group.
Discussion and Conclusion: Although D-dimer was found to be significantly higher at the time of admission to the hospital in unvaccinated individuals, there was no significant difference in blood homocysteine levels between vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; Homocysteine; Vaccine