Indapamide Therapy and Posterior Subcapsular Cataract: Is There a Causal Relationship?

Abstract

To the Editor. —The case report by Sponsel and Rapoza, 1 published in the April 1992 issue of theArchives, deserves critical comment in spite of an apparent imprimatur from the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects. The words associated, association , and indapamide-associated appear in this report in reference to the posterior subcapsular cataracts found in this patient who had been treated indapamide (Lozol). Although the authors may not have intended this implication, these words do carry for many the nuance of causal relationship. This specific case report in no way permits the conclusion that reasonable medical there was a causal relationship between the patient's having been treated indapamide and the subsequent detection of cataracts. It appears possible... is not appropriate in a report that has not only medical significance but also, unfortunately, legal potentialities. Probable cause or with reasonable medical certainty should be used