Study on the safety profile of Latanoprost and Timolol in primary open angle glaucoma.

Background: Topical beta blockers, Timolol and the prostaglandin F2α analogue Latanoprost are the most common prescribed medications as first line therapy. Their safety profiles have to be compared to justify the same. The objectives of this study were to compare the safety profile of Latanoprost with that of Timolol in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma. Methods: In this randomized open label 12-week study, 60 patients were randomized to receive either 0.005% of Latanoprost once daily in the evening or 0.5% of Timolol twice daily. Their safety was concluded by monitoring their adverse effects during follow-up visits at 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks. Results: Bradycardia was seen only in Timolol group whereas ocular adverse effects such as periocular pigmentation, the growth of eyelashes, and conjunctival hyperemia were seen only in Latanoprost group. Ocular discomfort was present equally in both the groups. Foreign body sensation was seen in both the groups, but it was more frequent in Latanoprost group. The blurring of vision was predominantly seen in Timolol group. Corneal anesthesia was seen in one of the patients on Timolol. Conclusions: The incidence of adverse effects was not significantly different between Latanoprost and Timolol therapy. Both had favorable safety profiles. However, Latanoprost has safer systemic side effects profile when compared to Timolol.

Clinical rabies: is cure possible.

Rabies is a fatal disease in humans and till date survivors of the disease after the clinical onset of the illness are rare. The approach to management of rabies is usually palliative. In rare cases of paralytic rabies a trial for cure has been tried. No single therapeutic agent is likely to be effective, but a combination of specific therapies could be considered, including rabies vaccine, rabies immunoglobulin, monoclonal antibodies, ribavirin, interferon alpha, ketamine etc. the only reported cases in literature were with rare success of the Milwaukee protocol. This is the case report of a 45 year old male who presented with clinical rabies and was started on the trial. Has the treatment had any benefit is to be debated and further options discussed.