Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Evaluate the effect of cyticholine after a brief period of treatment (15 days) on visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in a group of POAG patients with IOP normalized with medical therapy Methods:It was a randomized, double masked prospective study, cyticholine vs placebo. 30 POAG patients were included with these characteristics: · Group I (cyticholine): 15 POAG patients (13 eyes), 9 f and 4 m, mean age 57,78 ± 8,85 years (range 47–78). · Group II (placebo): 15 POAG patients (13 occhi), 12 f and 1 m, mean age 57,28 ± 11,93 years (range 40–72). The drug was administered i.m once daily for 15 days. All patients undergone a complete ophthalmological examination and contrast sensitivity measurement with MAV Professional. Contrast sensitivity measurement technique: test with Snellen letters, treshold contrast sensitivity evaluation at three different spatial frequencies (0,1 VA, 0,5 VA, and maximum VA), logarithmic progression and limit method. Statistical analysis was made with t test (Student) and Pearson test for correlation values.Results:Visual acuity significant and progressive improvement measured with MAV was found in the treated group (from 0,86 to 0,94 p<0,05 at 90 days). while in placebo group there were no changes during follow up. In both groups IOP didn’t change. After 15 days (last theraphy day) contrast sensitivity was significantly improved for all spatial frequencies in the cyticholine group. In placebo group a little improvement has been evidenced only for 0,1 visual acuity. Conclusions:These results show a positive outcome of cyticholine on visual function and contrast sensitivity. Pharmacological characteristics and clinical preliminary reports suggest an interesting neuroprotective therapeutical option in POAG management beside fundamental IOP control.
Keywords: neuroprotection • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials