ACTIVATED PROTEIN-C RESISTANCE, FACTOR-V-LEIDEN, AND CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION IN YOUNG-ADULTS

Objective: To confirm the relationship between resistance to activated protein C (APC), factor V Leiden, and central retinal vein occlusion in young adults as reported in a recent study of patients younger than 50 years. Patients and Methods: Patients younger than 50 years with c entral retinal vein occlusion were identified from the medical records of the Wills Eye Hospital Retina and Retina Vascular Services. Blood samples were taken from each patient and analyzed for resistance to AP C and identification of factor V Leiden. Results: Only 1 (4.7%) of 21 patients evidenced resistance to APC and the presence of factor V Leid en. This patient was also the only one to report a family history of t hrombotic disease. Conclusions: We were unable to confirm the high per centage of resistance to ACP among young adult patients with central r etinal vein occlusion. The finding of resistance to APC in only 1 (4.7 %) of 21 patients is similar to that found in the general population.