Is Fixed-combination Prostaglandin Analog/β-blocker Therapy Safe and More Effective than β-blocker Monotherapy in the Prevention of Disease Progression in Adults with Open-angle Glaucoma?

Author

My-Hang Pham, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow

Date of Award

2012

Degree Type

Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review

Degree Name

Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

Department Chair

John Cavanagh, PhD, PA-C

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether fixed-combination prostaglandin analog/β-blocker therapy is safe and more effective than β-blocker monotherapy in the prevention of disease progression in adults with open-angle glaucoma.

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized controlled trials published in 2008 and 2010.

Data sources: 3 randomized, controlled, double-blind trials comparing fixed-combination prostaglandin analog/β-blocker therapy to β-blocker monotherapy were found using Pubmed, Medline, and Cochrane databases.

Outcome Measured: Disease progression/regression was assessed by post-baseline measurement of IOP during three follow-up visits throughout the trials. The safety profile of each therapy was assessed by monitoring the number of adverse events reported by the participants or observed by the researchers.

Results: All three studies demonstrated a significantly greater IOP reduction in participants treated with fixed combination prostaglandin analog/β-blocker therapy. There was a significantly higher incidence of adverse events in the fixed combination group compared to the β-blocker monotherapy group; however, the fixed combination therapy was determined to be well-tolerated and superior over β-blocker monotherapy in the prevention of disease progression of open-angle glaucoma.

Conclusions: Fixed combination prostaglandin analog/β-blocker therapy is safe and more effective than β-blocker monotherapy in the prevention of disease progression in adults with open-angle glaucoma. The simple dosing schedule increases patient adherence compared to the more complex multi-drug regimen of the individual active components.

Recommended Citation

Pham, My-Hang, "Is Fixed-combination Prostaglandin Analog/β-blocker Therapy Safe and More Effective than β-blocker Monotherapy in the Prevention of Disease Progression in Adults with Open-angle Glaucoma?" (2012). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 77.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/77