The efficacy of unoprostone isopropyl as an adjunct to topical beta-blocker in patients with open angle glaucoma: a-6-month study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of unoprostone isopropyl as an adjunctive treatment to topical beta-blocker in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).


METHODS
This was a prospective, open-label clinical study.


METHODS
A total of 44 eyes of 22 eligible patients whose intraocular pressure (IOP) was inadequately controlled by topical beta-blocker were enrolled. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients with primary open angle glaucoma who either had IOP measurements > or = 22 mmHg while on topical beta-blocker monotherapy or had IOP measurements > or = 18 mmHg while on dual therapy (topical beta-blocker and a second drug of a different class which was to be discontinued prior to the study to allow washing out of its effects).


METHODS
Baseline IOP, pupil size, blood pressure and pulse rate were initially measured; the patients were then examined at 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 18th and 24th weeks of following commencement of topical unoprostone isopropyl therapy (given twice daily).


METHODS
IOP pupil size, blood pressure and pulse rate were measured and were compared to baseline values.


RESULTS
In 44 eyes of 22 eligible patients, unoprostone isopropyl resulted in a statistically significant IOP reduction of 24.6% (p < 0.02). The mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 132.79 +/- 22.11 mmHg (range 100-180 mmHg) at baseline to 125.77 +/- 18.40 mmHg (range 80-160 mmHg) at 24th week after unoprostone isopropyl administration. This reduction was statistically significant (p = 0.002) but was unlikely to have clinical importance. Both mean diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.344), pulse rate (p = 0.306), and pupil diameter (p = 0.107) were not significantly affected.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical unoprostone isopropyl beneficially provides additive IOP lowering effect to topical beta-blocker in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. No serious systemic side effects were found in the present study.
Leelachaikul
Yupin
Y
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. rapll@mucc.mahidol.ac.th
Euswas
Ataya
A