Psoriasis may be highly associated with risk of developing retinal vein occlusion

Issue: January 10, 2016

Patients with psoriasis may have a higher risk of developing retinal vein occlusion, according to a study.

The retrospective population-based cohort study evaluated the risk and incidence of developing RVO in 30,198 psoriasis patients compared with 30,198 control subjects without psoriasis from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.

The RVO incidence was 1.46 times higher in psoriasis patients vs. non-psoriasis subjects, 1.97 times higher in psoriasis patients aged 65 years or older vs. subjects without psoriasis, and 1.82 times higher in women with psoriasis than without psoriasis.

In a subgroup analysis, the risk of developing RVO in psoriasis patients was 2.07 times higher in those with a hypertension comorbidity compared with those without psoriasis.

There was also a significantly higher risk of RVO in psoriasis patients who needed methotrexate as a second-line therapy.

“Awareness of the elevated risk of developing RVO in patients with psoriasis might prompt the early detection and treatment of RVO,” the study authors said. “Medications that control autoimmune activity may benefit patients with psoriasis who are at risk for developing RVO. With appropriate and timely medical interventions, the prognosis of RVO in patients diagnosed with psoriasis is good.” – by Kristie L. Kahl

Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Yen YC, et al. Retina. 2015;doi:10.1097/IAE.0000000000000536.