Risk factors in central retinal vein occlusion and activated protein C resistance

Introduction. Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) fends to be a disease o f older individuals, with some known major risk factors, and activated prot ein C resistance seems to be one of the causes in younger patients. In this study, we reviewed risk factors including activated protein C resistance i n a series of patients with CRVO. Methods. Twenty-four patients with a diagnosis of CRVO presenting either ac utely or for a follow-up visit during the study period, were enrolled. Ages ranged between 31 and 83 years (mean 59.7). The risk factors, presence of ischemia, the results of biochemical serological and hematological tests, e specially activated protein C resistance (APC-R), were analysed. Results. In 17 patients (71%) one or more of the following risk factors exi sted: hypertension, diabetes, oral contraceptive usage, family history of t hrombosis, and previous operation. In 40% of the eyes, there were ischemic changes. Serum triglycerides were high in 4 of 21 patients (19%) and choles terol and urea were high in 10 of 21 patients (19%). APC-R was found in 6 o ut of 24 patients (25%). Conclusions. Besides known predisposing factors like hypertension, diabetes , glaucoma and hyperlipidemia, APC-R seems to be a risk factor for CRVO at all ages.