Hyperhomocysteinemia Associated with Multiple Organ Failure in Acute Pancreatitis Patients

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on multiple organ failure (MOF) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). Method. In this cohort study, a total of 1880 AP patients were enrolled and divided into the hyperhomocysteinemia group (study group) and the control group based on serum homocysteine (HCY) levels. Clinical data including demographics, clinical outcomes, and characteristics were collected for analysis. Risk factors of MOF in AP patients were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results. The hyperhomocysteinemia group showed higher multiple organ failure rates (31.83% vs 20.77%, P<0.001), compared with the control group. A positive correlation between homocysteine level and APACHE II score was obtained by Pearson correlation analysis (r = 0.420, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis disclosed that the hyperhomocysteinemia was independently associated with MOF (hazard ratio, 1.103; 95% CI, 1.010-1.189; P=0.012). Conclusion. A high serum homocysteine level may be an independent risk factor of multiple organ failure in patients with acute pancreatitis.