Acute Effect of Hypervolemic Hemodilution on Retrobulbar Hemodynamics in Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Purpose Ischemic ocular disorders may be treated by hypervolemic hemodilution. The presumed therapeutic benefit is based on a volume effect and improved rheological factors. The aim was to investigate the acute effect of intravenous hydroxyethyl starch on retrobulbar hemodynamics in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Methods 24 patients with acute NAION were included. Retrobulbar hemodynamics were measured using color Doppler imaging before and 15 min after intravenous infusion of 250 cc 10% hydroxyethyl starch (HES). Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and Pourcelot's resistive index (RI) were measured in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and short posterior ciliary arteries (PCAs). Results After infusion of HES blood flow velocities significantly increased in the CRA (PSV from 7.53 ± 2.33 to 8.32 ± 2.51  (p < 0.001); EDV from 2.16 ± 0.56 to 2.34 ± 0.55  (p < 0.05)) and in the PCAs (PSV from 7.18 ± 1.62 to 7.56 ± 1.55  (p < 0.01); EDV from 2.48 ± 0.55 to 2.66 ± 0.6 cm/sec (p < 0.01)). The RI of all retrobulbar vessels remained unaffected. Blood pressure and heart rate remained unchanged. Conclusions Hypervolemic hemodilution has an acute effect on blood flow velocities in the CRA and PCAs in NAION patients. Increased blood flow in the arteries supplying the optic nerve head may lead to a better perfusion in NAION patients. This trial is registered with DRKS00012603.