Description

Archer et al identified risk factors for development of clinically significant radiation retinopathy. These can help identify patients who may benefit from preventive measures, closer monitoring and laser therapy. The authors are from the Queen's University of Belfast.


 

Risk factors for more severe disease (Archer et al 1991):

(1) diabetes mellitus

(2) high total dose (> 2,500 cGy)

(3) high dose fraction ( > 200 cGy)

(4) targeting the macula

(5) symptoms rapidly progressive

 

Additional risk factors (Archer et al 1999)

(6) hypertension

(7) collagen vascular disease

 

where:

• 1 centiGray (cGy) = 1 rad

 

A patient with one or more of these risk factors may develop significant retinopathy.

 


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