LEVODOPA PLUS CARBIDOPA: IS IT EFFECTIVE IN NONARTERITIC ANTERIOR ISCHEMIC OPTIC NEUROPATHY MANAGEMENT?
Abstract
Introduction. Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is one of the causes of irreversible visual loss. As yet many treatment modalities are used for therapy, but non of them have had significant effect on recovery of visual acuity. To study levodopa plus carbidopa effect on NAION, this research was done.
Methods. In this clinical trial double blind study, two groups (each contained 20 subjects) recieved randomly 100 mg levodopa + 10 mg carbidopa and placebo per day for 3 weeks. Subjects were followed up at 6, 12, 24 weeks after treatment for assess visual acuity.
Findings. The mean differences of visual acuity between initial and 24 weeks later in interventional and control group were 4.6/100± 7.373/100 and 10.35/100± 17.572/100 respectively (P>0.05).
Conclusion. There was not any effect of drug on recovery of visual acuity. Thus, due to their side effects, levodopa and carbidopa not recommended in NAION management.
Methods. In this clinical trial double blind study, two groups (each contained 20 subjects) recieved randomly 100 mg levodopa + 10 mg carbidopa and placebo per day for 3 weeks. Subjects were followed up at 6, 12, 24 weeks after treatment for assess visual acuity.
Findings. The mean differences of visual acuity between initial and 24 weeks later in interventional and control group were 4.6/100± 7.373/100 and 10.35/100± 17.572/100 respectively (P>0.05).
Conclusion. There was not any effect of drug on recovery of visual acuity. Thus, due to their side effects, levodopa and carbidopa not recommended in NAION management.
Keywords
Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, Levodopa, Carbidopa, Visual loss