Role of the Hereditary Thrombophilic Abnormalities in Retinal Vein Occlusions

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate the relation between hereditary thrombophilic factors leading to coagulation disorders and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Material and Methods: A total of 45 consecutive patients with RVO group and 42 healty subjects (Control group) were enrolled. The mean follow-up period was 15.2 +/- 5.5 months. The following investigations were performed in both groups: Factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin G20210A and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme mutations, antithrombin III, protein C and S activities, fibrinogen, factor VII and VIII levels, D-dimer, activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time/INR, complete blood count, ESR and blood biochemistry.

Results: Factor V leiden heterozygote mutation was found in four (9%) patients in RVO and one (2.4%) in Control groups. Homozygote FVL mutation and PT G20210A mutation were not found in neither of the groups. In the RVO group, 26 patients (57.8%) had MTHFR C677T heterozygote mutation and four (8.9%) had homozygote mutation. In the Control group 14 (33.3%) patients had MTHFR C677T heterozygote mutation and four (9.5%) had homozygote mutation. There was a significant difference in MTHFR C677T genotype distribution between the 2 groups (p = 0,032). The serum triglyceride, glucose, fibrinogen and ESR levels were significantly higher in patients compared to the controls

Conclusion: We believe that, in addition to all related systemic and ophthalmological investigations, hematological screening tests to detect hypercoagulation should be performed while investigating the etiology in patients with RVO.