Retinal venous occlusion and its association with atherosclerotic vascular disease. / Oclusión venosa de retina y su asociación con la enfermedad vascular aterosclerótica.

Retinal venous occlusion (RVO) is the second most frequent cause of decreased visual acuity due to retinal vascular, after diabetic retinopathy. Its etiology is not completely clear. Current scientific evidence suggests that it is related to the atherosclerotic process given the high number of cardiovascular risk factors and the higher incidence of cardiovascular events in these patients. In fact, RVO implies a 45% higher risk of stroke, 26% of acute myocardial infarction and peripheral vascular disease, 53% of heart failure and 36% of overall mortality, compared to the general population adjusted for age, sex and the different cardiovascular risk factors. However, no increase in cardiovascular mortality has been detected. Therefore, a multidisciplinary clinical approach to this pathology is essential.

Presentación atípica de síndrome antifosfolípido

El síndrome antifosfolípido es considerado un trastorno del colágeno asociado a presentaciones clínicas a edades intermedias con incidencias no mayores de 5 casos por cada 100.000 personas. Su espectro clínico oscila en la presencia de manifestaciones trombóticas multisistémicas de origen vascular. Sin embargo, las manifestaciones no vasculares tienen un espectro raro en su presentación habitual. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 64 años con manifestaciones oculares relacionadas a amaurosis fugaz asociado a alteraciones estructurales retinianas. Los hallazgos de tamizajes realizados fueron fuertemente sugestivos de trombofilias primarias. Se aplicó perfil para síndrome antifosfolípido el cual fue positivo, por lo que se instauró anticoagulación plena.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is considered a collagen disorder associated with clinical presentations at intermediate ages with incidences of no more than 5 cases per 100,000 people. Its clinical spectrum ranges from the presence of multisystem thrombotic manifestations of vascular origin. However, non-vascular manifestations have a rare spectrum in their usual presentation. The case of a 64-year-old man with ocular manifestations related to amaurosis fugax associated with retinal structural alterations is presented. The findings of screening performed were strongly suggestive of primary thrombophilia. A profile for antiphospholipid syndrome was applied, which was positive and therefore, full anticoagulation was initiated.

Alternativas de tratamiento de la obstrucción venosa retiniana: terapias combinadas y vitrectomía pars plana / Treatment Alternatives for Retinal Venous Obstruction: Combined Therapies and Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Dentro de las enfermedades vasculares de la retina, la oclusión venosa retiniana es relativamente frecuente y debido a sus complicaciones afecta de forma moderada o grave la visión. Las opciones terapéuticas aplicadas en el edema macular y los desprendimientos de retina traccionales causados por las oclusiones venosas son varias. Se realizó una revisión en la literatura científica para valorar la eficacia y seguridad del uso combinado de diferentes terapias que incluye los antiangiogénicos y esteroides intravítreos con o sin aplicación de láser, así como la vitrectomía pars plana como alternativas de tratamiento de las complicaciones de la enfermedad oclusiva venosa retiniana. Aun cuando los antiangiogénicos se consideren como primera línea de tratamiento en la oclusión venosa retiniana, en varios casos hay mejor respuesta en sus combinaciones y de los esteroides con láser. Para resolver el desprendimiento de retina traccional y hemorragia vítrea, debidas a las oclusiones venosas, se requiere, mayormente, operación de vitrectomía pars plana. Se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas como PubMed, Cochrane y otras publicaciones relacionadas con las alternativas de tratamiento de la obstrucción venosa retiniana en los últimos años.

Among retinal vascular diseases, retinal venous occlusion is relatively frequent and due to its complications, it moderately or severely affects vision. The therapeutic options applied in macular edema and tractional retinal detachments caused by venous occlusions are several. A review of the scientific literature was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of the combined use of different therapies including intravitreal antiangiogenics and steroids with or without laser application, as well as pars plana vitrectomy as treatment alternatives for the complications of retinal venous occlusive disease. Even when antiangiogenics are considered as first line of treatment in retinal venous occlusion, in several cases there is better response in their combinations and steroids with laser. To resolve tractional retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage due to venous occlusions, a pars plana vitrectomy operation is mostly required. A search was made in electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane and other publications related to treatment alternatives for retinal venous obstruction in recent years.

Retinal vein occlusion in the general population after COVID-19 vaccination and infection / Obstrucción venosa retiniana en la población general después de la vacunación y de la COVID-19

Introduction Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is mostly a consequence of vascular risk factors (VRF). COVID-19 vaccines have been related to vascular and thrombotic events (VTE). Objective To assess the RVO incidence in the general population in our health area and the possible relation with COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Methods Demographic features, classic VRF, thrombophilia data, COVID-19 status, and Framingham risk score were collected prospectively. Results 472 consecutive patients studied over 13 years with RVO were included (Valdecilla Cohort). Classic VRFs were present in 90%, antiphospholipid syndrome in 12.3%, and genetic thrombophilia in 13.5%. Ninety-one percent of RVO patients were vaccinated and 6.8% suffered COVID-19 infection. In the cohort, no patient had a new RVO after vaccination or infection. In the general population, 20 subjects had RVO after receiving the vaccine (0.006%). Overall, 8 cases occurred in the first-month post-vaccination and 12 after 30 days. In the early and late groups, there are 3 and 4 patients respectively, with a low-intermediate risk Framingham score. Twenty-nine patients in the cohort suffered SARS-CoV-2 infection, twenty-seven of them had RVO before infection. Two patients with low-risk Framingham scores had RVO after infection, one of them early (<1 month). Conclusion Vaccination and COVID-19 might be involved in the development of RVO in some cases, mainly in patients without VRF, thrombophilia, or chronic inflammatory conditions and with a lower Framingham score, especially in the first month after vaccination or infection (AU)

Introducción La oclusión venosa retiniana (OVR) es principalmente una consecuencia de los factores de riesgo vascular (FRV). Las vacunas contra la COVID-19 se han relacionado con eventos vasculares y trombóticos (EVT). Objetivo Evaluar la incidencia de OVR en la población general de nuestra área de salud y su posible relación con la COVID-19 y la vacunación. Métodos Se recopilaron prospectivamente las características demográficas, FRV clásicos, datos sobre trombofilia, padecimiento de la COVID-19 y puntuación de riesgo de Framingham. Resultados Se incluyeron 472 pacientes consecutivos con OVR, estudiados durante 13 años (Cohorte Valdecilla). Los FRV clásicos estaban presentes en el 90%, el síndrome antifosfolípido en el 12,3% y la trombofilia genética en el 13,5% de los casos. El 91% de los pacientes con OVR recibieron la vacuna frente a la COVID-19 y el 6.8% sufrió la infección. En la cohorte, ningún paciente tuvo una nueva OVR después de la vacunación o de la infección. En la población general, 20 sujetos presentaron OVR después de recibir la vacuna (0,006%). En general, 8 casos ocurrieron en el primer mes después de la vacunación y 12 después de 30 días. En los grupos precoz y tardío, 3 y 4 pacientes respectivamente, presentaban una puntuación de Framingham de riesgo bajo o intermedio. Veintinueve pacientes de la cohorte sufrieron infección por SARS-CoV-2 y 27 de ellos tuvieron una OVR antes de ésta. Dos pacientes con puntuaciones de Framingham de bajo riesgo presentaron una OVR después de la infección, uno de ellos precozmente (<1 mes). Conclusiones La vacunación y la COVID-19 podrían estar involucradas en el desarrollo de OVR en algunos casos, principalmente en pacientes sin FRV, trombofilia o procesos inflamatorios crónicos y con una puntuación de Framingham más baja, especialmente en el primer mes después de la vacunación o de la infección (AU)

Retinal vein occlusion in the general population after COVID-19 vaccination and infection.

INTRODUCTION: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is mostly a consequence of vascular risk factors (VRF). COVID-19 vaccines have been related to vascular and thrombotic events (VTE). OBJECTIVE: To assess the RVO incidence in the general population in our health area and the possible relation with COVID-19 infection and vaccination. METHODS: Demographic features, classic VRF, thrombophilia data, COVID-19 status, and Framingham risk score were collected prospectively. RESULTS: 472 consecutive patients studied over 13 years with RVO were included (Valdecilla Cohort). Classic VRFs were present in 90%, antiphospholipid syndrome in 12.3%, and genetic thrombophilia in 13.5%. Ninety-one percent of RVO patients were vaccinated and 6.8% suffered COVID-19 infection. In the cohort, no patient had a new RVO after vaccination or infection. In the general population, 20 subjects had RVO after receiving the vaccine (0.006%). Overall, 8 cases occurred in the first-month post-vaccination and 12 after 30 days. In the early and late groups, there are 3 and 4 patients respectively, with a low-intermediate risk Framingham score. Twenty-nine patients in the cohort suffered SARS-CoV-2 infection, twenty-seven of them had RVO before infection. Two patients with low-risk Framingham scores had RVO after infection, one of them early (<1 month). CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination and COVID-19 might be involved in the development of RVO in some cases, mainly in patients without VRF, thrombophilia, or chronic inflammatory conditions and with a lower Framingham score, especially in the first month after vaccination or infection.

Trombosis venosa de retina. Auditoría de un programa de atención especializada / Retinal vein occlusion. Audit of a specialized care program

Background and objectives Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most frequent cause of retinal vascular disease and is related to classic cardiovascular risk factors. A specific program was designed to detect and treat risk factors in patients with RVO. The aim of this study is to audit the results of this program. Patients and methods The program consisted of a multidisciplinary clinical evaluation by the Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine Departments. All patients with RVO were screened, at minimum, for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, overweight, and antiphospholipid syndrome. New risk factors or poor control of known risk factors were expected to be found in at least one-third of the patients. Among them, therapeutic measures were expected to be taken in at least two-thirds. A dissociated automated search of the data of all patients who entered the program between April 2021 and April 2022 was performed. Results Fifty-six patients were included for analysis. Of these, 39 (69.6%) had at least one new or poorly controlled risk factor and 43 (76.8%) had their treatment modified in some way. Antiphospholipid syndrome was detected in five (8.9%). Only one patient had low-risk hereditary thrombophilia. After an exhaustive examination, no risk factors were found in 11 patients. Conclusion This specific program has been effective in detecting new or poorly controlled risk factors and improving their treatment (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo La trombosis venosa de retina (TVR) es la segunda causa más frecuente de enfermedad vascular de la retina y se relaciona con factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos. Se diseñó un programa específico para detección y tratamiento de factores de riesgo en pacientes con TVR. El objetivo de este estudio es auditar los resultados de dicho programa. Pacientes y métodos El programa consistió en una evaluación clínica multidisciplinar por parte de Oftalmología y Medicina Interna. A todos los pacientes con TVR se les realizó cribado, al menos, de hipertensión arterial, diabetes, dislipidemia, tabaquismo, sobrepeso y síndrome antifosfolípido. Se esperó encontrar nuevos factores de riesgo o pobre control de los ya conocidos en, al menos, un tercio de los pacientes. Entre ellos, se esperó tomar alguna medida terapéutica en, al menos, dos tercios. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda automatizada disociada de los datos de todos los pacientes que entraron en el programa entre abril de 2021 y abril de 2022. Resultados Cincuenta y seis pacientes se incluyeron para el análisis. De ellos, 39 (69,6%) tenían al menos un factor de riesgo nuevo o mal controlado, y 43 (76,8%) vieron modificado en algún modo su tratamiento. Se detectó síndrome antifosfolípido en 5 (8,9%). Solo un paciente tenía una trombofilia hereditaria de bajo riesgo. Tras un examen exhaustivo no se encontró factor de riesgo alguno en 11 pacientes. Conclusión Este programa específico ha sido efectivo para detectar factores de riesgo nuevos o mal controlados y mejorar su tratamiento (AU)

Retinal vein occlusion. Audit of a specialized care program.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most frequent cause of retinal vascular disease and is related to classic cardiovascular risk factors. A specific program was designed to detect and treat risk factors in patients with RVO. The aim of this study is to audit the results of this program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The program consisted of a multidisciplinary clinical evaluation by the Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine Departments. All patients with RVO were screened, at minimum, for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, overweight, and antiphospholipid syndrome. New risk factors or poor control of known risk factors were expected to be found in at least one-third of the patients. Among them, therapeutic measures were expected to be taken in at least two-thirds. A dissociated automated search of the data of all patients who entered the program between April 2021 and April 2022 was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included for analysis. Of these, 39 (69.6%) had at least one new or poorly controlled risk factor and 43 (76.8%) had their treatment modified in some way. Antiphospholipid syndrome was detected in five (8.9%). Only one patient had low-risk hereditary thrombophilia. After an exhaustive examination, no risk factors were found in 11 patients. CONCLUSION: This specific program has been effective in detecting new or poorly controlled risk factors and improving their treatment.

Oclusión venosa retiniana en pacientes menores de 50 años. Análisis de factores de riesgo vascular, trombofilia, hallazgos ecográficos carotídeos y etiologías poco frecuentes / Retinal vein occlusion in patients under 50 years. Analysis of vascular risk factors, thrombophilia, carotid ultrasound findings and uncommon aetiologies

Introducción La oclusión venosa retiniana (OVR) se ha relacionado con factores de riesgo vascular y trombofilia. Métodos Se trata de un estudio de cohorte prospectivo de todos los pacientes diagnosticados de OVR y remitidos a una clínica de medicina interna de un hospital universitario terciario durante un período de 10 años. Se analizaron variables clínicas, de laboratorio y ecográficas de troncos supraaórticos y se compararon según la edad. Resultados Se incluyeron unos 309 pacientes diagnosticados de OVR, 25 de ellos menores de 50 años. La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial, dislipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hiperhomocisteinemia y placa carotídea fue significativamente mayor en pacientes > 50 años que en los menores. Sin embargo, la prevalencia de trombofilia hereditaria fue mayor en el grupo más joven (32 vs. 11,4%; p = 0,005). Se observaron enfermedades poco frecuentes relacionadas con la OVR como hepatitis C, talasemia menor, enfermedad de Lyme, vasculitis y perlebitis en pacientes jóvenes sin factores de riesgo vascular. Conclusión Sugerimos realizar un estudio genético de trombofilia en pacientes con OVR menores de 50 años, siendo siempre recomendable un control exhaustivo de los factores de riesgo vascular en todos los pacientes con OVR. Además, sugerimos tener en cuenta las enfermedades poco frecuentes relacionadas con la OVR, especialmente en pacientes jóvenes sin factores de riesgo vascular (AU)

Introduction Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) has been related to vascular risk factors and thrombophilia. Methods This is a prospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with RVO and referred to an Internal Medicine clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital during a 10-year period. Clinical, laboratory and supra-aortic trunks ultrasound variables were analysed and compared according to age. Results Some 309 patients diagnosed with RVO were included, 25 of them younger than 50 years. The prevalence of high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinemia, and carotid plaque was significantly higher in patients>50 years than in those below. However, the prevalence of inherited thrombophilia was higher in the younger group (32.0 vs 11.4%; p = 0.005). Uncommon diseases related to RVO such as hepatitis C, thalassemia minor, Lyme disease, vasculitis, and periphlebitis were observed in young patients without vascular risk factors. Conclusion We suggest performing a genetic thrombophilia study in RVO patients younger than 50 years, while an exhaustive control of vascular risk factors is always recommended in all RVO patients. Moreover, we suggest bearing in mind uncommon diseases related to RVO, especially in young patients without vascular risk factors (AU)

Retinal vein occlusion in patients under 50 years. Analysis of vascular risk factors, thrombophilia, carotid ultrasound findings and uncommon aetiologies.

INTRODUTION: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) has been related to vascular risk factors and thrombophilia. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with RVO and referred to an Internal Medicine clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital during a 10-year period. Clinical, laboratory and supra-aortic trunks ultrasound variables were analysed and compared according to age. RESULTS: Some 309 patients diagnosed with RVO were included, 25 of them younger than 50 years. The prevalence of high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinemia, and carotid plaque was significantly higher in patients >50 years than in those below. However, the prevalence of inherited thrombophilia was higher in the younger group (32.0% vs 11.4%; p = 0.005). Uncommon diseases related to RVO such as hepatitis C, thalassemia minor, Lyme disease, vasculitis, and periphlebitis were observed in young patients without vascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: We suggest performing a genetic thrombophilia study in RVO patients younger than 50 years, while an exhaustive control of vascular risk factors is always recommended in all RVO patients. Moreover, we suggest bearing in mind uncommon diseases related to RVO, especially in young patients without vascular risk factors.

«Do Not Do¼ recommendations for retinopathies: A mixed consensus study.

PURPOSE: Among the main causes of blindness and severe vision loss are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema, and retinal vein occlusion. The «Do Not Do¼ recommendations are strategies to improve quality of care and optimise healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to establish, by consensus, practices of low value in the above-mentioned pathologies, in addition to estimating their occurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mixed methods study including a first phase of consensus of a multidisciplinary panel of experts using the Nominal Group technique. In the second phase, a retrospective observational study was conducted, by conducting a review of medical records. RESULTS: A total of 7 recommendations were established for age-related macular degeneration, 4 for diabetic macular oedema, and 5 for retinal vein occlusion. A total of 1,012 medical records were reviewed by the 4 participating hospitals. The review of medical records revealed that agreed «Do Not Do's¼ occurred in a range between 0.6% and 31.4% of the cases included in the study. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified «Do Not Do¼ recommendations in these pathologies that occur relatively often in clinical practice. It is necessary to review the healthcare processes that will enable these practices to be eradicated, and the quality of care to be improved.

Recomendaciones «no hacer» para retinopatías: estudio mixto de consenso / «Do Not Do» recommendations for retinopathies: A mixed consensus study

Antecedentes y objetivos Entre las principales causas de ceguera y de pérdida severa de la visión se encuentran la degeneración macular asociada a la edad, el edema macular diabético y la oclusión venosa de la retina. Las recomendaciones «no hacer» son estrategias para mejorar la calidad asistencial y optimizar los costes sanitarios. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo definir por consenso prácticas de escaso valor en las enfermedades mencionadas, además de estimar su ocurrencia. Materiales y métodos Estudio de métodos mixtos. En una primera fase se buscó el consenso de un panel multidisciplinar de expertos a través de la técnica del grupo nominal. En una segunda fase, se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, mediante el cual se revisaron los registros de historias clínicas. Resultados Fueron establecidas 7 recomendaciones para degeneración macular asociada a la edad, 4 para edema macular diabético y 5 para oclusión venosa de la retina. En total, 1.012 registros de pacientes fueron revisados por los 4 hospitales participantes. La revisión de historias clínicas reveló que los «no hacer» consensuados ocurrían en un rango entre 0,6 y 31,4% de los casos incluidos en el estudio. Conclusión Este estudio identificó recomendaciones «no hacer» en estas enfermedades que ocurren con relativa frecuencia en la práctica clínica. Es necesario revisar el proceso asistencial para erradicar estas prácticas y mejorar la calidad asistencial (AU)

Background and objective Among the main causes of blindness and severe vision loss are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema, and retinal vein occlusion. The «Do Not Do» recommendations are strategies to improve quality of care and optimise healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to establish, by consensus, practices of low value in the above-mentioned pathologies, in addition to estimating their occurrence. Materials and methods Mixed methods study including a first phase of consensus of a multidisciplinary panel of experts using the Nominal Group technique. In the second phase, a retrospective observational study was conducted, by conducting a review of medical records. Results A total of 7 recommendations were established for age-related macular degeneration, 4 for diabetic macular oedema, and 5 for retinal vein occlusion. A total of 1,012 medical records were reviewed by the 4 participating hospitals. The review of medical records revealed that agreed «Do Not Do's» occurred in a range between 0.6% and 31.4% of the cases included in the study. Conclusions This study identified «Do Not Do» recommendations in these pathologies that occur relatively often in clinical practice. It is necessary to review the healthcare processes that will enable these practices to be eradicated, and the quality of care to be improved (AU)

«Do Not Do¼ recommendations for retinopathies: A mixed consensus study. / Recomendaciones «no hacer¼ para retinopatías: estudio mixto de consenso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Among the main causes of blindness and severe vision loss are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema, and retinal vein occlusion. The «Do Not Do¼ recommendations are strategies to improve quality of care and optimise healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to establish, by consensus, practices of low value in the above-mentioned pathologies, in addition to estimating their occurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mixed methods study including a first phase of consensus of a multidisciplinary panel of experts using the Nominal Group technique. In the second phase, a retrospective observational study was conducted, by conducting a review of medical records. RESULTS: A total of 7 recommendations were established for age-related macular degeneration, 4 for diabetic macular oedema, and 5 for retinal vein occlusion. A total of 1,012 medical records were reviewed by the 4 participating hospitals. The review of medical records revealed that agreed «Do Not Do's¼ occurred in a range between 0.6% and 31.4% of the cases included in the study. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified «Do Not Do¼ recommendations in these pathologies that occur relatively often in clinical practice. It is necessary to review the healthcare processes that will enable these practices to be eradicated, and the quality of care to be improved.

Factores de riesgo asociados a oclusiones venosas retinianas / Risk factors associated to retinal vein occlusion

RESUMEN Objetivos: Identificar los factores epidemiológicos, sistémicos y oculares de las oclusiones venosas retinianas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo de los casos nuevos de oclusiones venosas retinianas que acudieron al Cuerpo de Guardia del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer", durante el período de marzo del año 2017 a marzo de 2018. Se estudiaron las variables epidemiológicas, los antecedentes patológicos sistémicos y los oculares. Los resultados se expresaron en frecuencias absolutas y relativas (variables cualitativas) y se calculó la media y la desviación estándar en las cuantitativas. Resultados: En el período se estudiaron 50 ojos de 50 pacientes diagnosticados con oclusión venosa retiniana. La edad promedio fue de 66 años (9,5 desviación estándar). Prevaleció la raza blanca (44 por ciento), sin predilección por sexo. Fueron más frecuentes la oclusión de la vena central de la retina (60 por ciento) y las formas no isquémicas de daño vascular (78 por ciento), así como la hipertensión arterial (78 por ciento), la obesidad (36 por ciento) y la diabetes mellitus (34 por ciento) como factores de riesgo sistémicos asociados, y el glaucoma crónico (24 por ciento) como factor ocular. Conclusiones: Las oclusiones venosas retinianas se presentan en edades avanzadas y asociadas a factores de riesgo sistémicos y oculares(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives: Identify the epidemiological, systemic and ocular factors associated to retinal vein occlusion. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional observational prospective study was conducted of the new cases of retinal vein occlusion presenting at the Emergency Service of Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from March 2017 to March 2018. Analysis was performed of epidemiological variables and systemic and ocular pathological antecedents. Results were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies (qualitative variables), whereas quantitative variables underwent mean and standard deviation estimation. Results: Fifty eyes of 50 patients diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion were studied in the period. Mean age was 66 years (9.5 standard deviation). White skin color prevailed (44 percent) with no sex predominance. The most common disorders were central vein retinal occlusion (60 percent) and non-ischemic forms of vascular damage (78 percent), as well as arterial hypertension (78 percent), obesity (36 percent) and diabetes mellitus (34 percent) as associated systemic risk factors, and chronic glaucoma (24 percent) as an ocular factor. Conclusions: Retinal vein occlusion presents at advanced ages and is associated to systemic and ocular risk factors(AU)

Estudio clínico y epidemiológico de las oclusiones venosas retinianas / Clinical and epidemiological study of the retinal vein occlusions

Objetivo: estudiar en nuestro entorno la prevalencia de la enfermedad vascular retiniana y su caracterización clínica y epidemiológica. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo en una consulta del Servicio de Vítreo-Retina del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer", durante el período de enero del año 2015 a noviembre de 2016. Se caracterizaron los aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos en 52 ojos de 49 pacientes diagnosticados con oclusión venosa retiniana. Resultados: en la serie predominaron los grupos etarios mayores de 55 años, la raza blanca y no hubo predilección por sexo. Fueron más frecuentes la oclusión de la vena central de la retina, las formas isquémicas de daño vascular, la hipertensión arterial, la diabetes mellitus y el glaucoma de ángulo abierto como factores de riesgo asociados. El edema macular secundario a oclusión venosa retiniana fue la principal complicación. Conclusión: las afecciones sistémicas, como la hipertensión arterial, la diabetes mellitus, la hipercolesterolemia, el accidente cerebrovascular, la hiperviscosidad sanguínea y la trombofilia son fundamentales en el desarrollo de dicha afección vascular, así como los factores de riesgo oftálmicos como la hipertensión ocular, el glaucoma, la presión de perfusión ocular disminuida, los cambios adquiridos en las arterias retinales y los hábitos tóxicos relevantes(AU)

Objective: review and study the prevalence of retinal vascular disease in our environment and its clinical and epidemiological characterization. Methods: a prospective, longitudinal descriptive study was conducted at a consultation office of the Vitreous-Retina Service of Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from January 2015 to November 2016. Clinical and epidemiological characterization was performed of 52 eyes of 49 patients diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion. Results: in the series there was a predominance of the over-55-years age groups and the white race. Neither sex prevailed. The most frequent disorders were central retinal vein occlusion, ischemic forms of vascular damage, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and open angle glaucoma as associated risk factors. The main complication was macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. Conclusion: systemic disorders such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, cerebrovascular accident, blood hyperviscosity and thrombophilia, are crucial to the development of the study vascular condition, alongside ophthalmic risk factors such as ocular hypertension, glaucoma, reduced ocular perfusion pressure, acquired changes in retinal arteries, and relevant toxic habits(AU)

Terapias anti-VEGF en el tratamiento de enfermedades de la retina: recomendaciones para la práctica en Colombia / Anti-VEGF therapy for retinal diseases treatment: recommendations for it practice in Colombia

Objetivo: Exponer la experiencia local sobre el tratamiento de las enfermedades retinales con terapias anti factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular (anti-VEGF) y crear conciencia en relación con la atención centrada en el paciente reconociendo el papel de los médicos especialistas en la determinación del tratamiento más apropiado basado principalmente en la evidencia científica, pero también teniendo en cuenta la experiencia y práctica exitosas en el manejo de cada paciente, con base en sus características únicas e individuales. Método: Revisión y comparación de la literatura científica con la experiencia de los autores, en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las enfermedades que involucran inyecciones intraoculares, haciendo especial énfasis en la degeneración macular relacionada con la edad neo vascular (DMRE-NV), el edema macular diabético (EMD), la retinopatía diabética (RD), edema macular por oclusión venosa de rama de vena central de la retina (ORVR), la oclusión de vena central de la retina (OVCR) y la neo vascularización sub retiniana asociada a miopía patológica (MP). Resultados: la revisión realizada reafirma que tanto cuando hablamos de clases de medicamentos, de algoritmos de tratamiento o de perfiles de paciente, los diferentes agentes de una misma clase terapéutica pueden tener eficacias o perfiles de seguridad variables. Se debe considerar la importancia clínica que representa la valoración adecuada de los resultados pos tratamiento, pero sobre todo, la selección cuidadosa para determinar el agente y esquema más apropiado en la intención de tratar a un paciente. Si bien existen recomendaciones y guías de tratamiento para las patologías, los protocolos en el manejo individualizado y la exposición de estas experiencias de vida real se hacen necesarios, ya que no todos los pacientes ni todas las enfermedades de la retina responden de igual forma a cada agente terapéutico. Conclusión: La efi cacia y seguridad en el uso de las terapias anti-VEGF son aspectos de suma importancia cuando se trata de proporcionar una atención verdaderamente centrada en el paciente. No hay ninguna solución, intervención o alternativa terapéutica que se ajuste a todas las enfermedades oculares complejas, por lo que es importante hacer un balance que considere la evidencia disponible, la experiencia, y las expectativas de los pacientes y tratantes. Esto permitirá acceder a las alternativas terapéuticas adecuadas, en el momento adecuado siempre teniendo en mente los perfiles de eficacia, seguridad, farmacovigilancia activa y los costos asociados a las alternativas terapéuticas utilizadas en el país.

Purpose: To display local experience on treatment for retinal diseases with anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) therapies and to raise awareness regarding patient-centered care, recognizing the role of medical specialists in determining the most appropriate treatment mainly based on scientific evidence, but also considering the successful experience and practice handling each patient, based on their unique and individual characteristics. Method: Review and comparison of scientific literature according to the authors experience to diagnose and treat diseases involving intraocular injections, focusing on Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (NV-AMD), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), Macular Edema due to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO), Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) and Sub-retinal Neovascularization associated with Pathological Myopia (PM). Results: the review confi rms that, when speaking of drug classes, treatment algorithms or patient profi les, diff erent agents of the same therapeutic class can result in variable efficacies or safety profiles. The clinical relevance represented by the adequate assessment of post-treatment results must be considered, but specially, the careful screening to determine the most appropriate agent and regimen in the intention-to-treat a patient. Th ough recommendations and treatment guidelines for pathologies exist, protocols in individualized management and exposure of these real-life experiences are necessary, since not all patients or all retinal diseases respond in the same way to each therapeutic agent. Conclusion: Efficacy and safety using anti-VEGF therapies are extremely important when it comes to providing truly patient-centered care. There is no therapeutic solution, intervention or alternative that fi ts all complex ocular diseases, so it is important to weigh the available evidence, the experience and the expectations of both patients and prescribers. Th is will allow to get access to the appropriate therapeutic alternatives, in a timely manner, always considering the efficacy and safety profiles, active pharmacovigilance and the costs associated with the therapeutic alternatives used locally.

Angio-OCT de la zona avascular foveal en ojos con oclusión venosa de la retina.

Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio comprendía visualizar y cuantificar las alteraciones patológicas de la zona avascular foveal (ZAF) mediante angio-OCT en ojos con oclusión venosa de la retina (OVR) en comparación con el ojo contralateral sano. Procedimientos: La angio-OCT se llevó a cabo mediante el sistema Avanti® RTVue 100 XR (Optovue Inc., Fremont, Calif., EE. UU.). Los bordes de la capa vascular superficial (CVS) se definieron como 3 µm por debajo de la membrana limitante interna y 15 µm por debajo de la capa plexiforme interna y, para la capa vascular profunda (CVP), como 15 y 70 µm por debajo de la membrana limitante interna y de la capa plexiforme interna, respectivamente. La longitud de la ZAF horizontal, vertical y máxima de la CVS y la CVP en cada ojo se midió de forma manual. Además, se midió el ángulo entre el diámetro máximo de la ZAF y el plano papilomacular. Resultados: La angio-OCT representó los defectos dentro de la vasculatura en el área perifoveal en ojos con oclusión de rama venosa de la retina (ORVR; n = 11) y con oclusión de la vena central de la retina (OVCR; n = 8). Esto resultó en un crecimiento del diámetro máximo de la ZAF en ojos con OVR (n = 19) en comparación con el ojo contralateral (n = 19; 921 ± 213 frente a 724 ± 145 µm; p = 0,008). Además, se observó una correlación significativa entre la mejor agudeza visual corregida (MAVC) y el diámetro máximo de la ZAF en la CVP (ρ de Spearman = -0,423, p < 0,01). Por último, en los ojos con OVR, el ángulo entre el plano papilomacular y el diámetro máximo de la ZAF se dio tan solo en el 21,05% (CVS) y en el 15,79% (CVP) de los casos a 0 ± 15 ó 90 ± 15°, respectivamente. En ojos sanos, estos ángulos (que supuestamente representan una configuración de la ZAF regular) fueron más prevalentes (CVS 68,42 frente a 21,05%, p = 0,003; CVP 73,68 frente a 15,79%, p < 0,001). Conclusiones: La angio-OCT muestra alteraciones morfológicas de la ZAF en ojos con OVCR y ORVR. La correlación del diámetro máximo de la ZAF con la MAVC indica que estas alteraciones resultan funcionalmente relevantes.

Churg-Strauss syndrome associated with antiphospholipid antibodies in a patient with retinal vasculitis. / Síndrome de Churg-Strauss asociado con anticuerpos antifosfolipídicos en un paciente con vasculitis retiniana.

CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 69-year-old woman with unilateral retinal vasculitis. Investigations showed asthma, rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, peripheral blood eosinophilia, increased sedimentation rate, proteinuria, and antiphospholipid antibodies. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were negative. DISCUSSION: Although her anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody (ANCA) status was negative, taking into account the other clinical and laboratory features, retinal vasculitis was thought to be an ocular manifestation of Churg-Strauss syndrome. Treatment was started with high-dose corticosteroids and anticoagulant therapy.

Analysis of costs associated with the management and morbidity of diabetic macular oedema and macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. / Análisis de los costes asociados al manejo y morbilidad del edema macular diabético y el edema macular secundario a oclusión venosa de la retina.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the disease burden in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) or with retinal vein occlusion macular oedema (RVOMO) from a societal perspective. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study conducted on patients >18 years old diagnosed with uni- or bilateral DMO or unilateral RVOMO. Data on the use of health resources from diagnosis was collected, and the impact of disease on work life was assessed. Costs were annualised (euros, January 2014). Differences were contrasted using Chi-squared test (or Fisher Exact test), Mann Whitney-U test or Kruskal-Wallis test (Dunn contrast). RESULTS: A total of 448 patients were included (DMO 255; RVOMO 193). There were significant differences in costs of diagnosis: RVOMO €1856, bilateral DMO €1661, and unilateral DMO €1401 (P<.001) and the aggregate medical costs: RVOMO €4639, bilateral DMO 6275€ and unilateral DMO 6269€ (P<.001). Cost by permanent time off work was higher in bilateral DMO €11712, than in unilateral DMO €4284€, and than in RVOMO €1052 (P<.05). Linear regression analysis showed that variables associated with direct health costs were: Diagnosis (bilateral DMO was associated with higher cost), as well as number of days in hospital, number of visits, time of observation, and number of days of time off work. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bilateral DMO are associated with a higher direct health cost, as well as a higher indirect cost by impact of the disease on work life.

Systematic study of retinal vein occlusion in young patients. Case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To report the case of a young woman with retinal vein occlusion and prothrombin heterozygous mutation, and to review the current evidence on the systematic study in cases of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in young patients. METHODS: Eligible articles were identified using a comprehensive literature search of PubMed. CONCLUSION: RVO risk factors may have different relevance depending on each age group. In the systematic study of cases in young patients, it is recommended to look for "emerging" risk factors, bilateral involvement, or absence of "classic" risk factors.