K. Gugleta, S. Orgül, D. Stümpfig
2004
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0
Influential Citations
31
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Quality indicators
Journal
International Ophthalmology
Abstract
Background: Fludrocortisone is a potent mineralocorticoid, whichhas no known direct vasoactive properties, and is the first-line drug fortreatment of orthostatic hypotension. The present study evaluated thesystemic hemodynamic effects of fludrocortisone treatment in glaucomapatients. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of the charts of glaucoma patients of the University Eye-Clinic Basel was performed. Twenty-two patients with open-angle glaucoma under treatment withfludrocortisone were selected. The selected patients had one 24-hblood pressure recording immediately prior to treatment with fludrocortisoneand one recording at least 2 months after starting the treatment. Parallel to blood pressure recordings, diurnal intraocular tension curve recordings and visual field testings were carried out. In addition, twelve patients also had nail-fold video-capillaroscopy. Results: IOP and visual fields remained stable. The average values for all systemic blood-pressure readings showed an improvement in the follow-up compared to primary examination. Mean (±SD) night-to-day ratio (`nocturnal dips')of systolic, diastolic and mean arterial bloodpressure decreased from 13.6 ± 4.3%, 16.9 ± 5.2% and 15.9 ± 3.5%, respectively, to 9.9 ± 5.9% (p=0.01), 13.2 ± 4.3% (p = 0.044) and 11.7 ± 3.9% (p = 0.0004). Baseline capillary blood-flow velocity increased and capillary blood-flow standstill time after cold provocation decreased significantlyunder fludrocortisone therapy. Conclusion: Hemodynamic parameters show a tendency towards improvement in a magnitude which might be of clinical relevance.