Kuhli C., Hattenbach L.-O., Scharrer I., Koch F., Ohrloff C.

Augenheilkunde und Medizinische Klinik I, Klinikum der Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main

Purpose: Factor XII deficiency is among the coagulation disorders which have been implicated in thromboembolic disorders. However, thus far, the question whether factor XII-deficiency is associated with the development of retinal vessel occlusion remains a matter of controversy.
Methods: In our study, a cohort of 142 unselected retinal vein occlusion (RVO) patients was screened for factor XII-deficiency and compared to a control group of 128 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects. Both cohorts were subdivided into 2 groups of age (</= 45 and >45 years). Statistical analysis of differences between corresponding groups was performed by Fisher's exact test.
Results: Overall, factor XII-defiency was found to be present in 13 of 142 (9.2%) patients and in one of 128 (0.7%) controls (P=0.0017). Patient age </= 45 yrs by the time of the RVO or a previous thromboembolic event was significantly associated with a high prevalence of factor XII deficiency (8 of 47 = 17.1%). Only 5 of 95 (5.3%) patients >45 yrs (P=0.0017) and none of 83 young controls (P=0.0002) were tested positive for factor XII deficiency. Moreover, the prevalence among patients >45 yrs was similar to that found in age-matched controls (1 of 54 = 2.2%), (P=0.66).
Conclusion: Our results indicate that factor XII deficiency is highly prevalent in RVO patients </= 45 years of age and/or a history of thromboembolism at this age. By contrast, the prevalence of factor XII deficiency in RVO patients older than 45 years appears to be similar to that seen in healthy controls.

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