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Abstract #15506 Published in IGR 1-3
Systemic adverse effects of topical treatment with brimonidine in an infant with secondary glaucoma (letter)
Korsch E; Grote A; Seybold M; Soditt VEuropean Journal of Pediatrics 1999; 158: 685
This is a report of a threemonths old infant with unilateral cataract and microphthalmus and an IOP of 42 mmHg after lensectomy. The patient was treated with topical betablockers and latanoprost. Later brimonidine was added. After the addition of brimonidine the infant became stuporous. Pupillary responses of the unaffected eye, temperature, heart-rate, bloodpressure, oxygen saturation and blood gas analysis as well as other metabolic parameters were normal. Under close monitoring the symptoms resolved within 20 hours without treatment. Brimonidine should have little systemic effects because it is a highly selective alfa-2 adrenergic agonist. It can however cross the blood-brain barrier and cause systemic side effects. Most frequently reported are headache, fatigue and drowsiness. This report shows that infants may have considerable systemic effects on the central nervous system due to central alfa-2 adrenergic stimulation.
Classification:
11.3.3 Apraclonidine, brimonidine (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)
