Volume 90, Issue 5 pp. 426-433
Original Article

Risk factors, antithrombotic treatment and outcome in retinal vein occlusion: an age-related prospective cohort study

Maria Teresa Sartori

Corresponding Author

Maria Teresa Sartori

Clinical Medicine II, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

Correspondence Maria T. Sartori, MD, 2nd Chair Internal Medicine, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic & Vascular Sciences, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy. Tel: +390498212653; Fax: +390498218731; e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author
Sofia Barbar

Sofia Barbar

Clinical Medicine II, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

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Annalisa Donà

Annalisa Donà

Clinical Medicine II, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

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Stefano Piermarocchi

Stefano Piermarocchi

Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

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Elisabetta Pilotto

Elisabetta Pilotto

Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

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Graziella Saggiorato

Graziella Saggiorato

Clinical Medicine II, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

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Paolo Prandoni

Paolo Prandoni

Clinical Medicine II, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

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First published: 05 March 2013
Citations: 19

Abstract

Objectives

Antithrombotic treatment for retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is controversial, although RVO has been surmised as a predictor of a subsequent vascular event. We aimed to evaluate risk factors, the effects of antithrombotic therapy and the occurrence of subsequent vascular events in patients with a first episode of RVO, according to age of RVO onset.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, patients with central (CRVO) and branch RVO (BRVO) confirmed by fluorescein angiography were studied; they were divided according to age. Cardiovascular risk factors and thrombophilia were evaluated. Anticoagulants or aspirin were given for at least 3 months. Patients were followed every 6–12 months and vascular events were recorded.

Results

One hundred CRVO and 32 BRVO patients were enrolled. Five of 60 (8.3%) patients <50 yr and 4/72 (5.5%) over 50 yr had a hereditary thrombophilic defect. One or more cardiovascular risk factors were found in 35 (58%) patients of the younger group, and in 66 (91%) of the older group (P < 0.001). Antithrombotic treatment led to both a satisfactory recanalization of occluded veins and visual acuity improvement especially in younger patients. Vascular events occurred in 19 (14%) cases after 4 ± 3.3 yr from RVO, more frequently in older than in younger patients (22% vs. 5%, = 0.005).

Conclusions

Distribution of cardiovascular, but not of thrombophilic risk factors seems to be influenced by age in RVO patients. Patients with a first RVO, especially those >50 yr, are likely at risk of a subsequent vascular event.

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