Retinitis Pigmentosa
Conditions
Keywords
Retinitis Pigmentosa, Levodopa
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of L-Dopa on the progression of retinitis pigmentosa.
Detailed description
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of progressive hereditary diseases that diffusely affects the functioning of photoreceptors and the pigment epithelium. It may be speculated that a protective effect on the pigment epithelium, as it is supposed for L-Dopa, can slow the progression of the disease or even lead to an, at least transient, improvement of visual functions. To evaluate the effect of L-Dopa on retinitis pigmentosa progression, visual acuity, electroretinogram and visual field will be preformed regularly.
Interventions
sinemet 200/50 1/2 tablet b.i.d. for 2 days and then t.i.d for 6 months
Sponsors
Beirut Eye Specialist Hospital
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
10 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* All confirmed cases of retinitis pigmentosa * VA of 20/400 or better
Exclusion criteria
* Advanced stages of retinitis pigmentosa with poor best corrected visual acuity (less than 20/400) * co-existing eye morbidities interfering with retinitis pigmentosa (glaucoma, retinal detachment...) * Flat electroretinogram * Intolerance or counterindication to drug * Unability for long-term follow-up
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Electroretinogram | Baseline, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years | the electric response to light stimuli of the retina, in millivolt, will be measured. The electroretinogram shows a-waves (elicit information about the function of the photoreceptors) and b-waves (elicit information about other neurosensory structure of the retina) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Visual Acuity | Baseline, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years | Visual acuity will be measured using Snellen chart |
| Change in Visual Field | Baseline, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years | Using 24-2 Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer, the progress in visual field defect will be measured, comparing mean deviation (dB) and pattern standard deviation (dB) |
Countries
Lebanon
Contacts
Primary ContactElias F. Jarade, MD
Backup ContactBeirut Eye Specialist Hospital
Outcome results
None listed