[Warfarin potassium for impending central retinal vein occlusion]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a serious condition affecting vision.
• Anticoagulant therapy is a potential treatment strategy for CRVO.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of warfarin potassium (Warfarin) in patients with impending central retinal vein occlusion.
• To determine indicators for successful Warfarin treatment in CRVO.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 10 patients diagnosed with impending CRVO.
• Assessment of visual acuity, retinal hemorrhage resolution, and venous circulation time via fluorescein angiography.

Main Results:

• Retinal hemorrhages resolved in 6 eyes within 6 months.
• Photocoagulation was required for 4 patients with visual acuity of 0.1 or less at one month.
• Improved venous circulation time (<30 seconds) correlated with good visual prognosis.
• Warfarin was ineffective in patients with pre-existing vision loss and in 3 elderly patients (≥65 years).

Conclusions:

• Warfarin is not recommended for patients with established vision loss or the elderly in cases of impending CRVO.
• Late venous circulation time measured by fluorescein angiography is a valuable prognostic indicator for this treatment.