Subcutaneous nadroparin calcium in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To date, no systemic intervention has been demonstrated to favorably affect the natural history of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nadroparin calcium in the treatment of RVO. Methods 13 patients with acute RVO (i.d. within a week of onset) were treated with subcutaneous injections of nadroparin calcium for 2 months. The same dose used for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis (200UI/kg/die) was given. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the affected eye was measured at baseline and after 3 months. In addition, macular thickness was measured by Stratus OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, USA) at baseline and after 3 months. Results Mean visual acuity was 0.39±0.33 at baseline and 0.70±0.32 after 3 months; differences were statistically significant (P=0.024). Macular thickness was measured in 8 patients; mean thickness was 510±239 μm at baseline and 331±190 μm after 3 months; differences were not statistically significant (P=0.12). After 3 months, fluorescein angiography disclosed no signs of retinal ischemia in all cases. Conclusion This preliminary study suggest that subcutaneous nadroparin calcium may be effective in the treatment of RVO. Larger long‐term studies are warranted to confirm this results.