An ischemic diabetic eye treated with intravenous prostaglandin E1.
OBJECTIVE
To present the use of intravenous prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a powerful vasodilator of the microcirculation, in the treatment of an ischemic diabetic eye.


METHODS
A 27-year-old diabetic man with ischemic diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma had a decreased visual acuity of no light perception in his right eye and hand motions in his left eye. He was started on intravenous PGE1 and has been treated for over 4.5 years.


RESULTS
The visual acuity in his right eye remained unchanged and in his left eye improved gradually to 1.5/30. He has been stable for 4.5 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous PGE1 may be useful in ischemic diabetic eyes to improve the ocular blood flow and visual acuity. It is safe and tolerated well.
*Via A. Brofferio 6, Rome, Italy; †Irvine3 Circulation-Vascular Labs, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chieti-Pescara University, Pescara, Italy; ‡Department of Ophthalmology, "the Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy; and §Ophthalmic Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Robert D
RD
Steigerwalt
Gianni
G
Belcaro
Marcella
M
Nebbioso
Antonella
A
Pascarella
Mauro
M
De Angelis
M Rosaria
MR
Cesarone
D000328:Adult; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D018917:Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000527:Alprostadil