THROMBOPHILIC RISK FACTORS ARE UNCOMMON IN YOUNG PATIENTS WITH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

Purpose: To study the thrombotic factors, namely deficiencies of plasma proteins C, S, and antithrombin, factor V Leiden mutation, and positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies in young patients with retinal vein occlusion. Methods: The thrombophilia parameters listed above were analyzed from the laboratory records of 50 patients with the clinical diagnosis of retinal vein occlusion, aged less than 50 years. Results: A single prothrombotic factor was seen in 2 (4%) cases. The highest positivity was for the antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant in 6%, anticardiolipin antibodies in 2%, and anti-beta 2 glycoprotein 1 in 10% cases). Other than one case where antiphospholipid syndrome was confirmed, these were transient. One patient had antithrombin deficiency. Protein C and protein S deficiency and factor V Leiden mutation were not seen in this group. Conclusion: Our data suggest that these thrombophilia risk factors are not commonly associated with retinal vein occlusion, and there is a need for studies on other factors that contribute to the development of this condition.