DrugLib.com — Drug Information Portal

Rx drug information, pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, news, and more



[Measuring retinal circulation with the Heidelberg retinal flowmeter: reproducibility of data and no effect of metipranolol in normal probands]

Author(s): Funk J, Muller-Velten R, Ness T

Affiliation(s): Universitats-Augenklinik Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106 Freiburg.

Publication date & source: 2000-11, Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd., 217(5):263-8.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; English Abstract; Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: We wanted to know whether topical Metipranolol has any effect on ocular blood flow. Before starting this investigation using the Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter, we studied the reproducibility of this device. METHOD: Retinal blood flow was determined in 15 healthy volunteers. Altogether, each volunteer was measured 20 times (4 different days with 5 pictures each). Coefficients of variation were calculated for both, the short term fluctuation and the long term fluctuation. After that, the effect of metipranolol was tested in 14 of the 15 volunteers mentioned above. This was done in a randomized, placebo controlled, double masked and crossover designed study. RESULTS: The mean coefficients of variation were 21% for the short term fluctuation and 13% for the long term fluctuation. There was a significant effect of learning, i.e. coefficients of variation decreased with increasing experience of the investigator (MVR). Blood flow values did not differ significantly between metipranolol and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The reproducibility of blood flow values measured with the Heidelberg Retina flowmeter are sufficient, at least if the device is used in clinical studies. When performing those studies, the learning curve of the investigator should be taken into account. 2. The topical application of metipranolol does not alter the retinal blood flow in healthy volunteers.

Page last updated: 2007-05-03

-- advertisement -- The American Red Cross
 
Home | About Us | Contact Us | Site usage policy | Privacy policy

All Rights reserved - Copyright DrugLib.com, 2006-2017