Switching from concomitant latanoprost 0.005% and timolol 0.5% to a fixed combination of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: a 6-month, multicenter, cohort study.

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness and tolerability of systematically switching glaucoma patients from latanoprost 0.005% and timolol 0.5% (Lat + Tim) to a fixed combination of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% (TTFC), and to record the effects of this switch on tear-film break-up time (TBUT). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, patients reaching IOP < 18 mmHg; the rate of discontinuation; TBUT; and the onset of adverse events (AEs). METHODS: Multicenter, observational cohort, 6-month study: 309 patients on concomitant Lat + Tim were switched to TTFC (evening dosage). IOP, TBUT, and AEs were recorded at baseline and after 1 and 6 months. RESULTS: IOP was significantly decreased (from 18.3 +/- 2.9 to 16.6 +/- 2.7 mmHg) after substitution (p < 0.0001). Many patients (82%) reached an IOP < 18 mmHg (p < 0.0001). TBUT improved significantly (from 8.4 +/- 3.6 to 9.2 +/- 3.8 s, p < 0.0001). A few patients reported AEs (8.7%), which caused discontinuation in a low percentage (4.5%). CONCLUSION: TTFC appeared useful in this selected population. In this study, patients who underwent a regimen modification to TTFC obtained further reduction in IOP with a lower exposition to preservative toxicity. The low discontinuation rate at 6 months indicates a good tolerability profile.

Deflazacort in the treatment of uveitis: a comparative study versus prednisone.

Since corticosteroids represent a fundamental tool in the treatment of uveitis, we evaluate the clinical efficacy and possible appearance of side effects of deflazacort, a new corticosteroid of third generation, versus prednisone at equiactive dosages. Sixty six patients suffering from recurring acute anterior uveitis (RAAU) and/or chronic anterior uveitis (CAU) were treated with deflazacort or alternatively prednisone in an "open" study. Clinical efficacy, ophthalmological parameters and haemato-bioassays were evaluated on admission and during the treatment period. All patients showed a complete remission of clinical signs and symptoms with both treatment and no statistically significant difference was evidenced between the studied groups. Concerning the possible appearance of side effects, the comparison between deflazacort and prednisone a statistically significant difference. These preliminary results are strongly encouraging and suggest further controlled studies on the employment of deflazacort in the treatment of uveitis.