β-Thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 levels in retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Fifty-six patients with retinal vein occlusion - 35 with central and 21 with branch vein occlusion - were investigated for comparison with an age and sex matched control group. Mean levels of β-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 were significantly higher (p<0.001) in both the group with central and the group with branch retinal vein occlusion than in the control group. A significant increase of β-thromboglobulin (p<0.001) was also found in the retinal vein occlusion group in those patients who were not hyperlipidaemic or diabetic (n = 39). Weak correlations were found between levels of lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma β-thromboglobulin. Increased platelet aggregation may contribute to the aetiology of retinal vein occlusion.