Testing of Homocysteine Metabolism Related Conditions AHS - M2141

Homocystinuria due to genetic causes is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Many different forms of homocystinuria can occur and signs and symptoms vary depending on the gene mutation. CBS gene mutations cause the most common form of homocystinuria. This mutation is referred to as “classic” homocystinuria or CBS deficiency. Other gene mutations that can result in homocystinuria include MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, and MMADHC. The MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR genes all revolve around the remethylation pathway of Hcy, while the MMADHC gene plays a role in Vitamin B12 metabolism (Froese et al., 2015; Wang et al., 2016).

Homocystinuria may also be associated with a diagnosis of methylmalonic acidemia, when the body cannot efficiently break down specific fats or proteins, leading to a methylmalonic acid buildup in the blood. Methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria type C (cblC) is characterized by a vitamin B12 disorder initiated by a mutation in the MMACHC gene; symptoms of this disorder fall into several categories, including thromboembolic and neurological issues such as cognitive and psychiatric episodes (Collison et al., 2015). 

Analytical Validity

This concentration of total homocysteine (tHcy) in blood plasma is the primary clinical analyte measured to diagnose homocystinuria. A study using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) calculated limits of detection (0.06 µmol/L) and quantification (0.6 µmol/Lu) of tHcy (Nelson et al., 2003). Another study using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) found a detection limit of 0.4 µmol/L as well as intra- and inter-run variations of five and 8 percent, respectively. Furthermore, this method was found to compare well with the LC-MS-MS method; the GC-MS method had a mean difference of -0.4 µmol compared to the LC-MS-MS method (Belkhiria et al., 2007). Fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) was found to compare favorably to the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and MS approaches as well (five percent imprecision with negative two percent to three percent bias) so it is a practical option if the more precise approaches are not available; unfortunately, this study only measured levels up to 45 µmol/L, whereas severe homocystinuria can exceed 100 µmol/L (Nexo et al., 2000).

More recently, Concepción-Alvarez et al. (2016) have validated a method to quantify Hcy in plasma samples via HPLC. Hcy levels were measured in a total of 46 patients and the authors found that HPLC was able to “identify and quantify Hcy without interferences” and that the identified detection limit was 3.12 μM and quantification limit 6.25 μM (Concepción-Alvarez et al., 2016). This research has provided further validation for Hcy plasma testing in ailments such as homocystinuria where this amino acid is increased.

For the detection of Hcy-related conditions, methylmalonic acid and tHcy are commonly measured in both plasma samples and dried blood spots. Using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), de Sain-van der Velden et al. (2015) recently compared methylmalonic acid and tHcy levels collected either from a dried blood spot or from plasma concentration testing methods to determine which is the more efficient and accurate method. The authors note that the plasma assay performed better than the dried blood spot testing method in most areas, but that dried blood spot testing was superior for tHcy stability. Furthermore, a strong correlation of tHcy was found in both testing methods, (y=0.46±1.12 (r(2)=0.91)), leading to the authors suggestion that tHcy testing in plasma can be replaced by tHcy in dried blood spots (de Sain-van der Velden et al., 2015). 

Clinical Utility and Validity

A diagnosis of classic homocystinuria (caused by CBS deficiency) is established by measurement of tHcy. The normal level is <15 µMol/L, whereas a newborn with homocystinuria is expected to measure at >50 µMol/L and an older, untreated individual will likely measure at >100 µMol/L (Sacharow et al., 2004). A measurement of Met in plasma can corroborate a diagnosis, as the metabolic pathway involves a buildup of Met in addition to the buildup of Hcy (Sacharow et al., 2004). While free Hcy composes about 15-25% of tHcy levels, separate free Hcy testing is unnecessary: tHcy measurement already includes all forms of Hcy (Rosenson et al., 2023).

The detection of biallelic pathogenic variants in CBS can substantiate a diagnosis of classic homocystinuria (Sacharow et al., 2004). There are two phenotypic variants in homocystinuria, both caused by CBS: B6-responsive and B6-non-responsive homocystinuria. The pyridoxine (B6) challenge test is performed to determine the variant and if vitamin B6 therapy will be beneficial (Sacharow et al., 2004). Testing for homocystinuria usually involves biochemical testing in urine and/or genetic testing for known mutations. Genetic testing can be done using a single gene or multi-gene panel which may include sequence analysis, deletion/duplication analysis, and/or other non-sequencing-based tests. Homocystinuria typically involves CBS deficiency and while the activity of the CBS enzyme could be performed in cultured fibroblasts when genetic tests are inconclusive, enzymatic testing for CBS deficiency is no longer available in USA (Sacharow et al., 2004). 

Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutations are of interest in homocystinuria. The MTHFR enzyme catalyzes the reduction of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5,10-methyltetrahydrofolate, the methyl donor for the conversion of Hcy to Met. Failure of this enzyme (<20% of normal levels) leads to increased Hcy and Met, as well as the production of other symptoms associated with homocystinuria (Long & Goldblatt, 2016). The two most common mutations in the MTHFR gene are 677T (changed from a C nucleotide) and 1298C (changed from an A). Both mutations can be heterozygotic or homozygotic, and both can lead to loss of enzymatic function (Gonzales et al., 2017). The 677T mutation is more severe, as in the homozygous state (TT) it results in up to 70% loss of enzymatic function, compared to only a 35% loss of function in the heterozygous state (CT) (Frosst et al., 1995). The 1298C mutation results in a loss of enzymatic function; 30% and 15% for its homozygous and heterozygous forms, respectively (Weisberg et al., 1998).

However, it is possible that dietary factors (notably low levels of folate or Vitamin B12) influence tHcy levels more than genetic factors. A study covering 452 young adults found tHcy variance to have a nine percent total genetic contribution (i.e. genetic polymorphisms) compared to a 35% contribution from dietary factors. The only polymorphism found to have a significant effect on tHcy levels was the 677T mutation, which interacted with low folate levels to produce a high tHcy phenotype. Compared to the authors earlier studies of genetic influence on tHcy levels, the younger cohort’s genetic contribution on tHcy levels was measured out to be higher than the older cohort’s (nine percent compared to seven percent for the older cohort). Furthermore, the authors suggest that genetic influence on tHcy levels are more pronounced during early life and environmental factors are more influential as time passes (Gaughan et al., 2001; Harmon et al., 1999; Kluijtmans et al., 2003).

Another study conducted by Gales et al. (2018) found that focal epilepsy presentation in the context of adult or adolescent onset could result from a mutation leading to MTHFR deficiency. It is critical that this mutation found in homocystinuria be detected early for treatment, as the neuropsychiatric syndrome could be easily treated with a combination of vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and betaine (Gales et al., 2018).

A novel newborn screening method has been developed by researchers: a two-tier algorithm using a methionine (Met) to phenylalanine (Phe) ratio. Data from 125,047 neonates was utilized to determine this accuracy of this method (Okun et al., 2017). It was reported that “Met to Phe ratio was found to be more effective for first sieve than Met, sorting out nearly 90% of normal samples. Only 10% of the samples would have to be processed by second-tier measurement of Hcy in dried blood spots” (Okun et al., 2017). This novel testing method resulted in 100% sensitivity and specificity for classic homocystinuria newborn screening (Okun et al., 2017).

Guo et al. (2022) investigated the effects of maternal Hcy concentrations, MTHFR, and MTRR gene presence on the occurrence of fetal aneuploidy through a retrospective case-control study. From the differences in the maternal MTHFR 677C>T, MTHFR 1298A>C and MTRR 66A>G genetic polymorphisms and maternal Hcy concentrations between aneuploidy and control mothers, they found that the mutations were associated with multiple trisomies, including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), trisomy 15, and Turner syndrome. The 677C>T polymorphism was associated with the most trisomies and transfer genes. Lastly, there was an increased concentration of Hcy among mothers of fetuses with trisomies 22, 21, 18, 16, and 15 and Turner syndrome in comparison to the control mothers. Due to the identified associations, it becomes even more crucial to study effects of combining maternal genetic factors and body systemic factors like homocysteine concentration on spontaneous fetal aneuploidy formation that were not previously understood (Guo et al., 2022). 

Guidelines and Recommendations

The United States Department of Health and Human Services

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of HHS has developed a recommended uniform screening panel for every universal newborn screening program; the amino acid disorder homocystinuria is recommended as a core condition for newborn screening, and the organic acid condition methylmalonic acidemia with homocystinuria is recommended as a secondary screening condition. Methylmalonic acidemia due to methylmalonyl-CoA mutase or cobalamin disorders is included as a core condition as well (HHS, 2023)

American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG)

The American College of Medical Genetics recommends quantitative testing of plasma amino acids to determine increased levels of Hcy and Met; classic homocystinuria is characterized by increases in both Hcy and Met, while increased Met may be indicative of other disorders (ACMG, 2010). Also, plasma Hcy analysis will show increased Hcy in classic homocystinuria and normal or only slightly increased Hcy in the other disorders. Urine Hcy will be significantly increased in classic homocystinuria (ACMG, 2010).

In the Confirmatory Algorithms for Met, ACMG indicates that increased Met and increased tHcy are indicative of homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency (ACMG, 2021).

European Network and Registry for Homocystinuria and Methylation Defects (E-HOD)

In 2015, a project by the E-HOD released the Newborn Screening for Homocystinurias and Methylation Disorders: Systematic Review and Proposed Guidelines. In this guideline, authors recommend newborn screening for CBS deficiency by detecting elevated Met, methionine -to-phenylalanine ratio, and/or tHcy in dried blood spots. Specificity is increased by analyzing tHcy as a second-tier marker and calculating Met/tHcy ratio is also suggested (Huemer et al., 2015). 

Newborn screening for the cblD-Hcy, CblE, and cblG defects, and for MTHFR deficiency could be possible by measuring Met and methionine-to-phenylalanine ratio in dried blood spots followed by analysis of tHcy as a second-tier marker. However, it is stated that the efficacy and feasibility of screening for these disorders is largely unknown (Huemer et al., 2015).

As a part of E-HOD, the Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of The Cobalamin-Related Remethylation Disorders cblC, cblD, cblE, cblF, cblG, cblJ and MTHFR Deficiency were released in 2017. Huemer et al. (2017) “strongly recommend measuring plasma total homocysteine in any patient presenting with the combination of neurological and/or visual and/or haematological symptoms, subacute spinal cord degeneration, atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome or unexplained vascular thrombosis.” For a “valid, timely laboratory diagnosis,” the authors also add:

• “We strongly recommend that investigations in patients with a suspected remethylation disorder should start with the measurement of total homocysteine in blood. 
• We recommend the blood sample for tHcy to be centrifuged within an hour and kept at four degrees or frozen until analysis. Immunoassays or chromatographic methods are suitable for tHcy measurement. (Quality of the evidence: moderate)
• We strongly recommend against measuring free homocysteine instead of total homocysteine. (Quality of the evidence: moderate) 
• We strongly recommend that in the case of high total homocysteine, plasma and urine samples for determination of MMA, methionine, folate and vitamin B12 are to be obtained before treatment is started. (Quality of the evidence: moderate)” (Huemer et al., 2017). 

Another guideline written as a part of E-HOD provides practical guides to recognition, diagnosis and management of CBS deficiency. The guideline presented 41 separate recommendations based on a literature review by the Guideline Development Group and the authors admitted that the quality of the identified data was poor and many of their recommendations were grade D; however, the highest recommendation was given to measuring the plasma total homocysteine concentrations in any patient whose signs and symptoms strongly suggest the diagnosis (Morris et al., 2017).

For the biochemical diagnosis, a tHcy test is recommended as “the frontline test” for the diagnosis of CBS deficiency. Plasma free Hcy is only detectable at tHcy concentrations above 50 -60 µmol/L; its measurement is not particularly sensitive or even reproducible and is, therefore, not recommended. Untreated patients with a CBS deficiency typically have tHcy concentrations above 100 μmol/L and a diagnosis is likely if an elevated tHcy is found along with high or borderline high plasma Met concentrations. Further information such as low plasma cystathionine concentration or increased Met:Cystathionine ratio can support a diagnosis. Finally, tHcy measurement using dried blood spots can be done if plasma processing is not possible.

The European Network and Registry for Homocystinuria and Methylation Defects recommends confirming CBS deficiency by measuring cystathionine synthase activity in fibroblasts or plasma and/or by mutation analysis of CBS gene. The gold standard for confirming CBS deficiency is determination of cystathionine production of Hcy and serine in cultured fibroblasts. Either the enzyme or DNA can be analyzed and if one method does not confirm a diagnosis, the other method should be done. The grade of this recommendation is B-C.

Despite technical pitfalls of DNA testing, E-HOD recommends a molecular genetic analysis of the CBS gene for the confirmation of CBS deficiency and for carrier and prenatal testing (grade B). For the prenatal diagnosis, the molecular analysis is a preferred technique during the first trimester of pregnancy. If the mutations are known in the family, enzyme analysis can be performed in cultured amniocytes, but not in chorionic villi. Preimplantation analysis could also be done (grade C-D).

For newborn screening, it is recommended to increase specificity of Met testing by using tHcy as a second marker and calculating Met/tHcy ratio (grade C). Several other metabolic disorders can cause an increased Met concentration and the exact sensitivity of detecting Met in newborns with a CBS deficiency is unknown. Although the median Met concentration of CBS deficient patients is far greater than the median of a healthy neonate (103 µmol/L compared to 20 µmol/L), individual Met values may still vary.

Screening for family members at risk is recommended by measuring tHcy but molecular genetic testing may also be utilized in exceptional cases (grade D).

Monitoring of tHcy, amino acids, folate and vitamin B12 is recommended in all patients during therapy. The frequency of the monitoring is variable on a case-by-case basis (due to severity, treatment plan, age, etc). The targeted concentration ranges for total plasma homocysteine are proposed to be <50 µmol/L in pyridoxine-responsive patients and at <11 µmol/L free homocysteine (about 120 µmol/L total homocysteine) in pyridoxine-unresponsive patients (Morris et al., 2017).

State and Federal Regulations, as applicable

On May 13, 2011, the FDA approved the Invader MTHFR 677 created by Hologic, Inc. The Invader MTHFR 677 is an in-vitro diagnostic test intended for the detection and genotyping of a single point mutation (C to T at position 677) of the human 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in isolated genomic DNA obtained from whole blood Potassium EDTA samples from patients with suspected thrombophilia (FDA, 2011a). 

On April 25, 2011, the FDA approved the Invader MTHFR 1298 created by Hologic, Inc. The Invader MTHFR 1298 test is an in vitro diagnostic test intended for the detection and genotyping of a single point mutation (A to C at position 1298) of the human 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofo late reductase (MTHFR) gene in isolated genomic DNA obtained from whole blood potassium EDTA samples from patients with suspected thrombophilia (FDA, 2011b).

On April 22, 2010, the FDA approved the eSensor Thrombophilia Risk Test on XT-8 System created by Osmetech Molecular Diagnostics. The MTHFR-specific portion is as follows: The eSensor MTHFR Genotyping Test is an in-vitro diagnostic for the detection and genotyping of point mutations (C to T at position 677) and (A to C at position 1298) of the human 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofo late reductase (MTHFR) gene in isolated genomic DNA obtained from whole blood samples. The test is intended to be used on the eSensor XT-8 System (FDA, 2010).

On October 11, 2007, the FDA approved the Verigene System created by Nanosphere Inc. The MTHFR-specific portion is as follows: The Verigene MTHFR Nucleic Acid Test is an in vitro diagnostic for the detection and genotyping of a single point mutation (C to T at position 677) of the human 5,10- methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) in patients with suspected thrombophilia, from isolated genomic DNA obtained from whole blood samples. The test is intended to be used on the Verigene System (FDA, 2007). 

Many labs have developed specific tests that they must validate and perform in house. These laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) are regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) as high-complexity tests under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88). LDTs are not approved or cleared by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration; however, FDA clearance or approval is not currently required for clinical use. 

Billing/Coding/Physician Documentation Information

This policy may apply to the following codes. Inclusion of a code in this section does not guarantee that it will be reimbursed. For further information on reimbursement guidelines, please see Administrative Policies on the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina web site at www.bcbsnc.com. They are listed in the Category Search on the Medical Policy search page.

Applicable service codes: 81291, 81401, 81406, 81479, 82136, 82139, 82615, 83090, 83921, 84207

BCBSNC may request medical records for determination of medical necessity. When medical records are requested, letters of support and/or explanation are often useful but are not sufficient documentation unless all specific information needed to make a medical necessity determination is included.

Scientific Background and Reference Sources

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ACMG. (2021, December). Methionine Elevated or Decreased. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55827/ 

ACMG. (2021). Methionine Elevated or Decreased. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Retrieved 11/7/2022 from http://www.acmg.net/PDFLibrary/Methionine - Algorithm.pdf

Al-Sadeq, D. W., & Nasrallah, G. K. (2020). The Spectrum of Mutations of Homocystinuria in the MENA Region. Genes (Basel), 11(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/genes11030330

Belkhiria, M. N., Ducros, V., Harzallah, K., Jarraya, F., Cordonnier, D., Favier, A., & Achour, A. (2007). [Evaluation of plasmatic homocysteine determination by gas chromatography -mass spectrometry]. Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 65(4), 393-398. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17627920/ (Evaluation d'un transfert de methode : dosage de l'homocysteine plasmatique par chromatographie en phase gazeuse couplee a la spectrometrie de masse.) 

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NIH. (2023). Homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6667/homocystinuria-due-to-cbs-deficiency

Okun, J. G., Gan-Schreier, H., Ben-Omran, T., Schmidt, K. V., Fang-Hoffmann, J., Gramer, G., Abdoh, G., Shahbeck, N., Al Rifai, H., Al Khal, A. L., Haege, G., Chiang, C. C., Kasper, D. C., Wilcken, B., Burgard, P., & Hoffmann, G. F. (2017). Newborn Screening for Vitamin B6 Non - responsive Classical Homocystinuria: Systematical Evaluation of a Two-Tier Strategy. JIMD Rep, 32, 87-94. https://doi.org/10.1007/8904_2016_556 

Rose, N. C., & Dolan, S. M. (2012). Newborn screening and the obstetrician. Obstetrics and gynecology, 120(4), 908-917. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e31826b2f03 

Rosenson, R. S., Smith, C. C., & Bauer, K. A. (2023, November 7). Overview of homocysteine. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-homocysteine

Sacharow, S. J., Picker, J. D., & Levy, H. L. (2004). Homocystinuria Caused by Cystathionine Beta-Synthase Deficiency. In M. P. Adam, H. H. Ardinger, R. A. Pagon, S. E. Wallace, L. J. H. Bean, K. Stephens, & A. Amemiya (Eds.), GeneReviews((R)). University of Washington, Seattle. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20301697

Wang, W., Jiao, X. H., Wang, X. P., Sun, X. Y., & Dong, C. (2016). MTR, MTRR, and MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip With or Without Cleft Palate. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers, 20(6), 297-303. https://doi.org/10.1089/gtmb.2015.0186 

Weisberg, I., Tran, P., Christensen, B., Sibani, S., & Rozen, R. (1998). A second genetic polymorphism in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) associated with decreased enzyme activity. Mol Genet Metab, 64(3), 169-172. https://doi.org/10.1006/mgme.1998.2714 

Zhu, H., Blake, S., Chan, K. T., Pearson, R. B., & Kang, J. (2018). Cystathionine beta -Synthase in Physiology and Cancer. Biomed Res Int, 2018, 3205125. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3205125 Avalon review 12/2018

Specialty Matched Consultant Advisory Panel review 02/2020

Medical Director review 1/2022 

Policy Implementation/Update Information

1/1/19 New policy developed. CBSNC will provide coverage for homocystinuria testing when it is determined to be medically necessary because the medical criteria and guidelines are met. Medical Director review 1/1/2019. Policy noticed 1/1/2019 for effective date 4/1/2019. (an)

4/16/19 Policy renamed from Homocystinuria to Testing of Homocysteine Metabolism Related Conditions. Avalon Annual Review: Updated description, background, federal regulations, guidelines, and evidence-based scientific references. Added clinical criteria: “For symptomatic patients (i.e., having elevated urine and/or serum homocysteine levels) that test negative for CBS classic homocystinuria OR for patients with a first-degree relative positive for known variants of MTHFR that cause homocystinuria, genetic testing for known variants of MTHFR is considered medically necessary.” Added clinical criteria that plasma free homocysteine testing does not meet medical necessity criteria based on 2017 E-HOD guidelines. Combined the newborn screening for homocystinuria and hypermethioninemia into one statement. (an) 

10/29/19 Wording in the Policy, When Covered, and/or Not Covered section(s) changed from Medical Necessity to Reimbursement language, where needed. (gm)

02/11/20 Reviewed by Avalon 4th Quarter CAB. Coding section updated. (eel)

03/10/20 Specialty Matched Consultant Advisory Panel 02/19/2020. No change to policy statement. (eel) 

02/23/21 Reviewed by Avalon 4th Quarter CAB. Description, Policy Guidelines, and References updated. Coverage Criteria updated for clarity. No change to policy statement. Removed code 83621, added 83921. (bb) 

7/27/21 Specialty Matched Consultant Advisory Panel 02/17/2021. No change to policy statement. (jm) 

2/8/22 Reviewed by Avalon 4th Quarter 2021 CAB. Description, Policy Guidelines, and References updated. Related policies added. No change to policy statement. Medical Director review 1/2022 (tt)

2/7/23 Reviewed by Avalon 4th Quarter 2022 CAB. Description, Policy Guidelines, and References updated. Related policies section removed. Coverage criteria updated for clarity. Medical Director review 12/2022 (tt)

2/21/24 Reviewed by Avalon 4th Quarter 2023 CAB. Description, Policy Guidelines, and References updated. Related policies section added. Removed the following statement from When Covered, “Reimbursement is allowed for genetic counseling and is recommended prior to genetic testing for Homocystinuria.” Removed 96040 and S0265 from billing/coding section. Medical Director review 1/2024. (tt)