Haemostatic studies in retinal vein occlusion. Fibrinolytic response to venostasis as a prognostic factor for spontaneous recanalization

Abstract Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO, n = 62) studied within a week after the event showed significant increase of Factor VIII (AHF and RAg), slight decrease of Antithrombin III, and prolongation of Euglobulin Lysis Time, vs. controls (n = 48). The prevalence of “poor responders” after venous occlusion was 23% in RVO vs. 12.5% in controls. Assessment of recanalization of the occluded vein was performed after 3 months in 17 selected cases with retinal branch vein occlusion, by means of dromofluorography (i.e. quantitation of fluorescein dilution curves). Patients who showed poorer recanalization were found to belong to the group of “non responders” and had significantly lower fibrinolytic activity after venous occlusion when compared with those who recanalized. Fibrinolytic response to venous occlusion provides therefore a prognostic indication in regard to spontaneous recanalization of the occluded vein in RVO patients.