New generation analysis of thrombin generation in retinal vein thrombosis

Purpose To investigate potential mechanisms involved in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) we evaluated thrombin generation and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) with respect to other known thrombophilic factors. Methods 68 patients affected by RVO (28 central, 40 branch) and 60 healthy controls were evaluated for endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) by a chromogenic method and sCD40L by ELISA technique. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for genetic polymorphisms and coagulative/chromogenic methods for othe coagulation factors. Results Independently of genetic polymorphisms ETP was increased in patients with CRVO whereas sCD40L was higher in the whole cohort. Conclusions Our data indicate an involvement of global coagulative activation in CRVO patients as suggested by ETP.