Faculty Collaboration Database

Risk Factors and Treatment Strategies in Patients With Retinal Vascular Occlusions. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2015 Oct;21(7):672-7

Date

12/18/2013

Pubmed ID

24335246

DOI

10.1177/1076029613513320

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84940846964 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   14 Citations

Abstract

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and retinal artery occlusion (RAO) cause significant visual impairment. The role of thrombophilia and cardiovascular testing is uncertain, and optimal treatment strategies have not been determined. We reviewed medical records of 39 patients with RVO and RAO (23 women and 16 men). Thrombophilia and cardiovascular evaluations were performed and outcomes were reviewed. In all, 24 (61.5%) patients had at least 1 thrombophilia. Elevated factor VIII levels were found in RVO (n = 5) but not in RAO. There are no other significant differences in thrombophilias in RVO compared to those in RAO. Most patients had hypertension(41.2% RAO and 55% RVO) and hyperlipidemia (35.5% RAO and 81.8% RVO). In all, 4 women were using oral contraceptives, 2 were pregnant or postpartum. Follow-up data was available for 28 patients (13 RAO, 15 RVO). Nineteen were treated with aspirin, four with warfarin, and one with low molecular weight heparin. Eight patients reported improvement in vision at time of follow-up (5 RAO, 3 RVO). Multiple risk factors are associated with RVO and RAO, and a complete assessment should include thrombophilia and cardiovascular studies.

Author List

Chapin J, Carlson K, Christos PJ, DeSancho MT

Author

Karen-Sue B. Carlson MD, PhD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aspirin
Female
Humans
Hyperlipidemias
Hypertension
Male
Middle Aged
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Thrombophilia
Warfarin