The Ocular Hypotensive Efficacy of Topical Fasudil, a Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With End-Stage Glaucoma Publisher Pubmed



Pakravan M¹ ; Beni AN² ; Ghahari E² ; Varshochian R³ ; Yazdani S^{2, 4} ; Esfandiari H² ; Ahmadieh H²
Source: American Journal of Therapeutics Published:2016

Abstract

To investigate the effects of topical administration of a selective Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, fasudil 0.5% and 1.2% in glaucomatous patients. In this interventional case series study, 4 eyes of 4 patients with unilateral end-stage primary open-angle glaucoma and no light perception vision were assigned to receive topical fasudil 0.5% (in 3 eyes) or 1.2% (in 1 eye) ophthalmic solution twice daily for 8 weeks. At weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8, intraocular pressure (IOP) and adverse events were evaluated. Baseline mean IOP was 53.5 6 3.4 mm Hg and mean IOP reductions of the last visit were 28.25 6 1.2 mm Hg at 2 hours and 28.75 6 2.2 mm Hg at 4 hours. Mean IOP reductions were clinically and statistically significant with 0.5% and 1.2% fasudil and peak effects occurred 2-4 hours after application (P = 0.0002). The largest IOP reductions were produced by 1.2% fasudil (up to 212 mm Hg). Conjunctival hyperemia was found in 1 patient with 1.2% fasudil. Topical administration of fasudil in end-stage primary open-angle glaucoma patients, caused reduction in IOP and was well tolerated. ROCK inhibitors could be considered as a candidate for glaucoma therapy in future. © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.