Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

  Background & Aim: Several risk factors have been postulated to be associated with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) however, the main cause of it has remained unknown. Considering the absence of similar study in Iran, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of systemic diseases in patients with NAION in Rassoul-e-Akram Hospital.

  Patients and Method: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, all patients with the diagnosis of NAION who were referred to Rassoul-e-Akram Hospital between April 2003 and 2005 participated. Demographic data and the prevalence of systemic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, renal disease and rheumatic disease were evaluated. The information was gathered from the records of the patients and analyzed by SPSS software. Internal comparison and comparison of the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in our cases with corresponding data in Iran's population were drawn. Data was analyzed using Chi-square test.

  Results: A total number of 51 patients with a mean age of 51. 08 ±9. 93 years were included. Bilateral involvement of eyes was present in 21. 6% of the cases. Male to female ratio was equal to 1. The most common systemic disorders were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and renal disease (39. 2%, 37. 3%, 35. 5%, 3. 9% respectively). The prevalence of hypertension in age group of >45 years was significantly higher than normal population (p=0.004). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was also higher than its prevalence in Tehran's population (p<0.001).

  Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and renal disease are the most common systemic diseases associated with NAION,and should be considered in the evaluation of NAION.