Risk factors for retinal vein occlusion: Multivariate approach in a case-control study

Purpose

To investigate potential risk factors associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in a Greek population.

Design

Case-control study

Methods

Participants in this study were 106 patients diagnosed with RVO, either central (CRVO) or branch (BRVO), and 76 healthy controls matched for sex and age. Demographic data were collected. All participants underwent complete ophthalmological examination. Blood samples were taken to evaluate full blood count and biochemical parameters. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify risk factors for CRVO and BRVO.

Results

63 patients with CRVO and 43 with BRVO, and 76 healthy controls were included in our analysis. The mean age of patients with BRVO, CRVO and healthy controls was 67.8 ± 9.1 years, 68.4 ± 9.2 years and 67.8 ± 9.1 years respectively. Univariate analysis showed that hypertension (p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.006), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR, p < 0.001), triglycerides (p < 0.001) and homocysteine (p < 0.001) were associated with CRVO, while diabetes (p = 0.034), NLR (p = 0.031), triglycerides (p < 0.001) and homocysteine (p = 0.007) were associated with BRVO. In multivariate analysis, hypertension (OR=1.92; 95 % CI= 1.16–5.97, p = 0.032), NLR (OR=2.08; 95 % CI=1.24–3.52, p = 0.006), triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl (OR=2.96; 95 % CI=1.08–7.86, p = 0.034) and homocysteine levels (OR=1.23; 95 % CI=1.12–1.36, p < 0.001) were independently associated with CRVO, while triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl (OR=4.04; 95 % CI=1.16–11.33, p = 0.041) and homocysteine levels (OR=1.12, 95 % CI=1.08–1.24, p = 0.036) were independently associated with BRVO.

Conclusion

This is a first case-control study in a Greek population with RVO. It is important to recognize various risk factors for RVO, which may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease and also identify vulnerable populations for this condition. Prompt referral and multidisciplinary approach is often needed in patients who have suffered an RVO.