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Abstract #9952 Published in IGR 5-3
Effect of preservatives on the conjunctiva: a comparative study of beta-blocker eye drops with and without preservatives in glaucoma patients
Pisella PJ; Lala E; Parier V; Brignole F; Baudouin CJournal Français d'Ophtalmologie 2003; 26: 675-679
PURPOSE: To compare the effect of timolol with or without preservatives on the conjunctival epithelium of glaucoma patients. METHODS: A retrospective study using impression cytology (IC) was conducted on patients treated with 0.5% timolol with or without 0.01% benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Fifteen eyes of 15 patients treated with timolol, BAC+ and 17 eyes of 17 patients treated with timolol, BAC- were included in two groups comparable for age and duration of treatment lasting at least one year. Specimens were analyzed by flow cytometry for inflammatory profile (using antibodies directed against HLA DR and ICAM-1) and mucin detection (anti-M1/MUC5AC antibody). RESULTS: IC analyses showed a significant increase in the expression of the two inflammatory markers, HLA DR and ICAM-1 in the timolol, BAC+ group and also a significant decrease in goblet cell density in the same group as compared to the timolol, BAC- group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of long-term preserved beta-blocker in glaucoma patients is associated with a direct subclinical epithelial toxicity in the conjunctiva, as already demonstrated by previous experimental studies. LA: French
Dr. P.J. Pisella, Service d'Ophtalmologie, CHU de Tours, Hôpital Bretonneau, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours Cedex 1, France. pj.pisella@chu-tours.fr
Classification:
11.16 Vehicles, delivery systems, pharmacokinetics, formulation (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)