Improvement of central retinal sensitivity six months after topical isopropyl unoprostone in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

Abstract
Aims: Isopropyl unoprostone (IU), a maxi-K channel activator, is used topically to treat glaucoma, and has been reported to have neuroprotective effects on retinal neurons in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this non-comparative pilot study was to determine whether topical IU will alter the sensitivity of the central retina in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Settings and Design: Non-comparative pilot study. Materials and Methods: IU was given topically twice a day for 6 months to both eyes of 30 patients with typical RP. The visual acuity was measured with a Japanese Snellen chart, and the mean retinal sensitivities were obtained by fundus-related microperimetry (MP-1). The mean deviation (MD) of the visual field was determined with a Humphrey field analyzer (HFA). All measurements were made before and 6 months after the treatment. Statistical Analysis Used: Wilcoxon and the Mann-Whitney U tests (SPSS, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Results: After the treatment, the mean retinal sensitivity within the central 2° and 10° improved significantly from 12.3 ± 4.8 dB to 14.7 ± 5.5 dB (P = 0.001) and from 9.1 ± 5.4 dB to 11.0 ± 6.2 dB (P = 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: These short-term results suggest topical IU can improve the central retinal sensitivity in RP patients. It will be necessary to examine longer treatment periods in a controlled study to determine the effectiveness of topical IU in RP patients.
Description
Keywords
Humphrey field analyzer, isopropyl unoprostone, microperimetry, retinitis pigmentosa
Citation
Tawada Ayako, Sugawara Takeshi, Ogata Kazuha, Hagiwara Akira, Yamamoto Shuichi. Improvement of central retinal sensitivity six months after topical isopropyl unoprostone in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2013 Mar; 61(3): 95-99.