Role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) 677C>T polymorphism in pediatric cerebrovascular disorders

J Child Neurol. 2011 Mar;26(3):318-21. doi: 10.1177/0883073810381446. Epub 2011 Jan 26.

Abstract

Homozygosity for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T mutation (MTHFR TT) has been linked to an increased risk for stroke, coronary artery disease, and migraine headaches. The authors analyzed the potential link between MTHFR 677C>T homozygosity and childhood stroke. A true association might facilitate screening, recurrence risk stratification, and treatment in patients with cerebrovascular disease. They performed a retrospective chart review of children tested for the MTHFR 677C>/T mutation; 533 patients underwent MTHFR testing, and 8% were homozygous for the MTHFR 677C>T mutation. There was no difference in the cohort compared with the prevalence in the general population. This suggests that the MTHFR 677 C>T polymorphism played a minimal role or no role in stroke risk. However, the data suggest that the MTHFR TT genotype may influence migraine susceptibility in children because there was a higher proportion of migraine patients (28.6%) with the MTHFR TT homozygous genotype.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / genetics*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / genetics*
  • Pediatrics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)