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Thromb Haemost 2005; 93(06): 1021-1026
DOI: 10.1160/TH04-11-0768
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Retinal vein occlusion: A form of venous thrombosis or a complication of atherosclerosis?

A meta-analysis of thrombophilic factors
Mirian C. H. Janssen
1   Department of General Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
,
Martin den Heijer
2   Department of Endocrinology and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
,
Johannes R. M. Cruysberg
3   Department of Ophtalmology Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
,
Hub Wollersheim
1   Department of General Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
4   Centre for Quality of Care Research, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
,
Sebastian J. H. Bredie
1   Department of General Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 29 November 2004

Accepted after revision 08 March 2005

Publication Date:
11 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Previous studies have shown an increased risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in patients with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus. Literature on the association between thrombophilic factors and RVO consists of small studies and case reports. The objective was to determine the relationship between thrombophilic risk factors and RVO. Thrombophilic risk factors analyzed were hyperhomocysteinemia, MTHFR gene mutation, factor V Leiden mutation, protein C and S deficiency, antithrombin deficiency, prothrombin gene mutation, anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. For all currently known thrombophilic risk factors odds ratios for RVO were calculated as estimates of relative risk. The odds ratios were 8.9 (95% CI 5.7 –13.7) for hyperhomocysteinemia, 3.9 (95% CI 2.3 – 6.7) for anticardiolipin antibodies, 1.2 (95% CI 0.9 –1.6) for MTHFR, 1.5 (95% CI 1.0 – 2.2) for factor V Leiden mutation and 1.6 (95% CI 0.8 – 3.2) for prothrombin gene mutation. In conclusion, regarding thrombophilic risk factors and RVO there is only evidence for an association with hyperhomocysteinemia and anticardiolipin antibodies, factors that are known as risk factors for venous thrombosis as well as for arterial vascular disease. The minor effect of factor V Leiden mutation and the protrombin gene mutation (risk factors for venous thrombosis only) suggests that atherosclerosis might be an important factor in the development of CRVO.

Keywords

Retinal vein thrombosis - retinal vein occlusion - risk factors - hyperhomocysteinemia - anticardiolipin antibodies
 

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