Activated Protein C Resistance, Factor V Leiden, and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in Young Adults

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the relationship between resistance to activated protein C (APC), factor V Leiden, and central retinal vein occlusion in young adults as reported in a recent study of patients younger than 50 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients younger than 50 years with central retinal vein occlusion were identified from the medical records of the Wills Eye Hospital Retina and Retina Vascular Services. Blood samples were taken from each patient and analyzed for resistance to APC and identification of factor V Leiden. RESULTS: Only 1 (4.7%) of 21 patients evidenced resistance to APC and the presence of factor V Leiden. This patient was also the only one to report a family history of thrombotic disease. CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to confirm the high percentage of resistance to ACP among young adult patients with central retinal vein occlusion. The finding of resistance to APC in only 1 (4.7%) of 21 patients is similar to that found in the general population.