Effects of Moxaverine on Choroidal Blood Flow in Patients With Glaucoma

Abstract

Purpose: : Reduced ocular blood flow is a risk factor for glaucoma progression. Nevertheless therapeutic interventions via the vascular pathway in glaucoma are still difficult. We have shown in a previous study that moxaverine is capable of increasing ocular perfusion in healthy subjects. In the present study we hypothesized that moxaverine may also induce an increase in ocular blood flow in glaucoma patients.

Methods: : Eighteen primary open angle glaucoma patients with well controlled intraocular pressure (< 21 mmHg) were included in this study. Patients received intravenous moxaverine at a dosage of 150 mg over 30 minutes. Choroidal blood flow as assessed with laser Doppler flowmetry was measured at baseline and 30, 60 and 90 minutes after drug infusion. A repeated measure ANOVA model was used to assess statistical significance.

Results: : Moxaverine did not affect intraocular pressure or systemic blood pressure. The drug did, however, increase choroidal blood flow (p = 0.03). The maximum effect on choroidal perfusion was seen 60 minutes after start of infusion (12.1 ± 5.3 %).

Conclusions: : Moxaverine increases choroidal blood flow in glaucoma patients. This is in good agreement with previous data in healthy subjects. Moxaverine may be a safe and well tolerated option to increase ocular blood flow in patients with ocular vascular disease.

Clinical Trial: : www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00709449

Keywords: choroid • blood supply