Article Text
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effects of niacin on choroidal blood flow in age related macular degeneration (AMD).
Methods: 12 AMD patients with bilateral drusen and visual acuity of 20/40 or better in the study eye received a single oral dose of niacin (six subjects received 500 mg and six received 250 mg) or matching placebo on two separate occasions. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to assess relative choroidal blood velocity (ChBVel), volume (ChBVol), and flow (ChBFlow) in the foveola of the study eye at baseline, 30, and 90 minutes after dosing.
Results: In comparison with placebo, a statistically significant 24% increase in ChBVol was observed 30 minutes after niacin administration (ANOVA, p = 0.01). In comparison with placebo, a significant decrease in ChBVel of 23% was observed in the 500 mg group (p = 0.04) and no significant change in ChBVel was seen in the 250 mg group at 30 minutes. No significant changes in ChBFlow were detected at 30 or 90 minutes. Also, there were no statistically significant changes in ChBVol or ChBVel at 90 minutes.
Conclusion: In comparison with placebo, a significant 24% increase in ChBVol was observed 30 minutes after niacin administration. Owing to simultaneous decrease in ChBVel, however, no significant change in ChBFlow was detected.
- AMD, age related macular degeneration
- CS, contrast sensitivity
- CV, coefficient of variability
- LDL, low density lipoproteins
- VA, visual acuity
- VLDL, very low density lipoprotein
- choroidal blood flow
- laser Doppler flowmetry
- age related macular degeneration
- niacin
- AMD, age related macular degeneration
- CS, contrast sensitivity
- CV, coefficient of variability
- LDL, low density lipoproteins
- VA, visual acuity
- VLDL, very low density lipoprotein
- choroidal blood flow
- laser Doppler flowmetry
- age related macular degeneration
- niacin