The risk factors for massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage in the material of Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Academy in Białystok from 1990 to 2000

Purpose:
The aim of our study is evaluation of the risk factors for development of expulsive hemorrhage among patients operated in Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Academy in Białystok from 1990 to 2000.

Material and methods:
This was a retrospective study of 18 patients with massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage occurring in association with cataract and glaucoma surgery.

Results:
The mean age of patients with expulsive hemorrhage was 69,5 years. There were 10 women (55,6%) and 8 men (44,4%). In the population of patients in whom the suprachoroidal hemorrhage occurred hypertension was present in 5 (27,7%) and diabetes in 3 (16,6%). 8 patients (44,4%) had reported atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. 7 patients (38,8%) had a history of glaucoma, 6 (33,3%) had high myopia. 1 patient had posterior synechiae after uveitis. All surgeries, except one, were performed under local anesthesia. There were no associations between suprachoroidal hemorrhage development and season.

Conclusions:
The results of our study suggest, that the risk factors for the development of massive intraoperative suprachoroidal hemorrhage are: high myopia, glaucoma and systemic cardiovascular diseases. A knowledge of these risk factors can help the physician in identifying patients, who are at a greater risk of having massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage.