Neuroprotective Efficacy Of Topical Unoprostone Isopropyl In Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of topical unoprostone isopropyl (unoprostone) and nipradilol on patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Methods: : Thirty patients with typical forms of RP were included in this prospective study. Baseline visual acuity, intraocular pressure and visual field were obtained for all patients. Patients were divided into unoprostone group (n=11) or nipradilol group (n=19). All patients of each group were treated with 0.12% topical unoprostone or 0.25% topical nipradilol twice daily in a randomly selected eye. Patients underwent follow-up exams at every 3 months after treatment. The efficacy of the treatment was monitored by visual acuity and visual field measurement testing using the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA: the central 10-2 Program).

Results: : At 1 year after the treatment, the macular sensitivity, calculated by HFA as the average of the central 12 points (with the exception of foveal point data), was preserved in the fellow eyes as well as the treated eyes of unoprostone group. On the other hand, that of nipradilol group was significantly decreased in the both eyes. No severe side effects were seen in any of the patients examined.

Conclusions: : The results demonstrated that a topical unoprostone might have neuroprotective efficacy in patients with RP.

Clinical Trial: : http://www.umin.ac.jp/, UMIN000006820

Keywords: retinitis • neuroprotection • degenerations/dystrophies