From benzalkonium chloride-preserved Latanoprost to Polyquad-preserved Travoprost: a 6-month study on ocular surface safety and tolerability

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the safety and tolerability of Polyquad-preserved Travoprost (PQ-Travoprost) in patients previously treated with benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved Latanoprost.

Methods: Cohort 6-month study on open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients. Complete ophthalmic examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and ocular surface status (tear film break-up time [TF-BUT], corneal staining and ocular surface disease index [OSDI]) were evaluated at baseline and 6 months later.

Results: A total of 44 patients were enrolled. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) baseline IOP was 18 (15.5 – 21) and 16 (14 – 17) mmHg (p < 0.0001) after 6 months. At baseline, 18 (40.9%) patients presented an IOP of < 18 mmHg, 11 (25%) < 16 mmHg, 2 (4.3%) < 14 mmHg and 1 (2.3%) < 12 mmHg; 6 months later the proportions were 36 (81.8%) (p < 0.0001), 21 (47.7%) (p = 0.00075), 8 (18.2%) (p = 0.0143) and 6 (13.6%) (p = 0.0253). Concerning safety, TF-BUT improved from 8 [IQR 6 – 10] to 10 [IQR 8 – 12] s (p < 0.0001). No eye developed corneal staining; punctate keratitis was absent in 13 (29.5%) patients at baseline and in 31 (70.4%) after 6 months (p < 0.001). OSDI changed from 16 (10 – 30) to 9 (2 – 20).

Conclusions: No patient treated with PQ-Travoprost developed ocular surface disease after 6 months of monotherapy, whereas many patients reached a good IOP control with lower IOP values. Ocular surface status statistically improved when examined by TF-BUT and corneal staining.

Keywords:

• efficacy
• glaucoma
• ocular surface disease
• Polyquad-preserved
• quality of life
• tolerability
• Travoprost

Acknowledgement

We thank Sara Lanteri and Rachele Penna for their contribution in data collection. GCM Rossi designed the study, carried out visits, participated in data collection, drafted the manuscript; L Scudeller performed the statistical analysis, helped to draft the manuscript; T Rolle participated in data collection; GM Pasinetti participated in the design of the study, coordinated and revised data collection; PE Bianchi participated in design of the study. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.