The Contribution of the Hematological Examination in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusio

Overview

Objective:
The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes of hematological examinations in patients under 60 years of age affected by central (CRVO) or branch (BRVO) retinal vein occlusion. Furthermore, it also proves possible existence of risk factors resulting in early atherosclerosis and hematological disease.

Patients and methods:
Eleven patients (5 women and 6 men) of 38 years of age in average (15–56 years) were examined. Eight patients suffered from CRVO, 3 patients from BRVO. All patients were tested for hematological diseases. We focused on the following hematological parameters: presence of paraprotein, homocysteine blood level, lipoprotein A, presence of antiphospholipid antibody, level of activated protein C resistance, protein S, protein C, antithrombin III. The average follow up period was 19 months.

Results:
hematological screening was positive in 5 patients, 4 patients out of them suffered from CRVO. High homocysteine blood level was detected in 2 patients and more over, an increased level of antiphospholipid antibodies was diagnosed in 1 patient. An increased level of lipoprotein A was determined in 2 remaining patients. BRVO was diagnosed in one case. Outcome of the hematological examination proved the pathological level of activated protein C resistance and lower level of protein S.

Conclusion:
according to these results we assume, the co-existence of more risk factors for hematological disease increase the probability of CRVO.

Key words:
central (CRVO) and branch (BRVO) retinal vein occlusion, homocysteine blood level, lipoprotein A, antiphospholipid antibody