The prognosis of corticosteroid-responsive individuals
Y. Kitazawa and T. Horie
Response of intraocular pressure to topical corticosteroid administration
is determined genetically, and the genes that determine corticosteroid
responsiveness of IOP and primary open angle glaucoma are considered
closely related. To elucidate the relationship between corticosteroid
responsiveness and primary open angle glaucoma, 35 patients with high
corticosteroid responsiveness were followed up without therapy for at least
ten years. During the follow-up period, a sustained rises in IOP greater
than 21 mm Hg developed in five of 22 originally normotensive subjects. In
two cases, glaucomatous field changes were demonstrated along with pressure
elevation. Of 13 originally ocular hypertensives, further rise of IOP
associated with glaucomatous field changes developed in seven. Results
strongly indicate that pressure elevation is more likely to develop in
corticosteroid-responsive individuals and the glaucomatous field defects
are more likely to develop in responsive are compared with nonresponsive
subjects.
