[Hemodilution in patients with central retinal vein thrombosis. A placebo-controlled randomized study]

A randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted in 40 patients with acute retinal vein occlusion, 19 of whom received iso-(Hct greater than or equal to 42%) or hypervolemic (Hct less than 42%) hemodilution over 10 days with daily infusion of 250 ml hydroxyethyl-starch (MW 200,000/0.5, 10% HAES-steril) in combination with pentoxifylline (oral: 1200 mg/day; i.v.: 300 mg/day; Trental). After this 10-day trial of hemodilution rheological therapy was continued with pentoxifylline (oral: 1200 mg/day; Trental). The control group of 21 patients received no hemodilution or rheological therapy. After 10 days 35 patients underwent laser coagulation. Clinical, hemodynamic and rheological data of all patients were recorded before therapy, after 10 days but before laser coagulation, and after 6 weeks. In the group treated with hydroxyethyl-starch in combination with pentoxifylline, 10 patients had an improvement of central vision by two or more lines after 6 weeks. In the control group only 4 patients showed central vision improved by two or more lines after 6 weeks. In the treated group the retinal circulation and rheological data were significantly improved after 10 days of hemodilution therapy.