Oral Acetazolamide Research Articles

A multi-institutional phase I study of acetazolamide with temozolomide in adults with newly diagnosed MGMT-methylated malignant glioma.

A significant unmet need exists for the treatment of glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (GBM). Preclinical work shows that acetazolamide sensitizes GBM to temozolomide (TMZ) by overcoming TMZ resistance due to BCL-3-dependent upregulation of carbonic anhydrase. Acetazolamide is Food and Drug Administration-approved for the treatment of altitude sickness. Drug repurposing enables the application of drugs to diseases beyond initial indications. This multi-institutional, open-label, phase I trial examined a combination of acetazolamide and TMZ in patients with MGMT promoter-methylated high-grade glioma. A total of 24 patients (GBM, IDH-wildtype = 22; Grade 4 astrocytoma, IDH-mutant = 1; Grade 3 astrocytoma, IDH-mutant = 1) were accrued over 17 months. All patients received oral acetazolamide (250mg BID for 7 days increased to 500mg BID for Days 8-21 of each 28-day cycle) during the adjuvant phase of TMZ for up to 6 cycles. No patient had a dose-limiting toxicity. Adverse events were consistent with known sequelae of acetazolamide and TMZ. In the 23 WHO Grade 4 patients, the median overall survival (OS) was 30.1 months and the median progression-free survival was 16.0 months. The 2-year OS was 60.9%. In total 37% of the study population had high BCL-3 staining and trended toward shorter OS (17.2 months vs N.R., P = .06). The addition of acetazolamide is safe and tolerable in GBM patients receiving standard TMZ. Survival results compare favorably to historical data from randomized trials in patients with MGMT promoter-methylated GBM and support examination of acetazolamide in a randomized trial. BCL-3 expression is a potential biomarker for prognosis in GBM or for patients more likely to benefit from TMZ.

Acetazolamide –friend to foe

Bilateral acute angle closure attacks are rare and usually secondary to drugs or concurrent microspherophakia. Acetazolamide, a sulphonamide medication used in controlling intraocular pressure, is known to cause uveal effusion precipitating secondary acute angle closure attack. Here we report a well-documented case of concurrent bilateral angle closure with shallowing of the anterior chamber, supra-ciliary effusion, and serous and hemorrhagic choroidal detachment after administration of oral acetazolamide that resolved on withdrawing the insulting agent.

Oral acetazolamide: a possible strategy to relieve congestion in worsening heart failure?

Oral acetazolamide: a possible strategy to relieve congestion in worsening heart failure?

NOn-Pachychoroid PEripapillary Schisis (NOPPES) of the Retina: A New Phenotype and its Differential Diagnosis.

The presence of peripapillary intraretinal fluid (IRF) has a broad differential diagnosis, including several types of neovascular and pachychoroid-related diseases. However, the clinician may encounter cases without signs of neovascular or pachychoroid disease, or any other previously described diagnosis. For these patients, we propose the term NOn-Pachychoroid PEripapillary Schisis (NOPPES) of the retina, and we discuss the differential diagnosis. A retrospective chart study set in a tertiary referral center for retinal diseases in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Using multimodal imaging, cases suspected of peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome were reviewed. Cases without signs of neovascular or pachychoroid disease were included in this study. These cases were discussed in a group of senior retinal specialists to establish a diagnosis, and if there was no evidence for any previously described diagnostic entity, these cases were categorized as NOPPES. Four cases of NOPPES were identified, 3 female patients and 1 male patient, aged between 58 and 75 years. Two patients were myopic, and 1 patient had a mild hyperopia. Three out of 4 cases showed unilateral peripapillary IRF, and 1 case had bilateral IRF. No improvement was seen after intravitreal bevacizumab or aflibercept, nepafenac eye drops, oral acetazolamide, vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling, or surgery for carotid stenosis. One case showed a reduction in IRF after starting prednisolone eye drops. We describe NOPPES, a new form of peripapillary schisis-like IRF. NOPPES seems relatively therapy-resistant. More research is needed to delineate the clinical spectrum of NOPPES and its pathogenesis and treatment.

Acétazolamide et effusion uvéale : à propos de deux cas

We report two cases of uveal effusion following oral acetazolamide administration: one case after a standard cataract surgery and a second following a preventive treatment for altitude sickness. The outcome in both cases was favorable. This rare complication requires appropriate management, including ruling out other pathologies. The pathophysiological mechanism is not fully understood.

XEN®-45 implantation for refractory uveitic glaucoma

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of XEN®-45 gel stent ab interno implantation for medically uncontrolled uveitic glaucoma.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 25 eyes receiving XEN® gel stent for medically uncontrolled uveitic glaucoma from February 2019 to February 2023 with recording of intraocular pressure (IOP) values, ocular hypotensive medication, requirement for revision or secondary surgery and complications. Prerequisites for XEN® implantation were a clear cornea, an open iridocorneal angle and an unscarred, mobile conjunctiva at the implantation site. Minimum follow-up required for inclusion was 3 months. The primary outcome measure was IOP compared to baseline. Complete and qualified success were defined as final IOP of ≤ 18 mmHg without or with topical antiglaucomatous treatment, respectively. Failure was defined as IOP > 18 mmHg on two consecutive visits, IOP reduction < 20%, persisting complications from hypotony and open conjunctival bleb revision. Further glaucoma surgical intervention was defined as complete failure.ResultsMean preoperative IOP was 35.3 ± 10.9 mmHg on 2.9 ± 0.9 topical antiglaucomatous agents. 19 of 25 patients (76%) received additional oral acetazolamide. 19 eyes were pseudophakic, 5 eyes phakic and 1 aphakic.Early postoperatively, mean IOP reduced to 7.7 ± 3.0 mmHg (75.8% reduction). At final follow-up (mean 17.7 months) mean IOP was 12.0 ± 3.8 mmHg (62.5% reduction) on 0.2 ± 0.6 medications.Six eyes (24%) required bleb revision at mean 28 weeks and therefore were categorized as failure. One eye failed despite bleb revision and restart of topical ocular hypotensive medication. Three other eyes (12%) had IOP spikes with uveitis flare-ups. Transient hypotony complications occurred in 32%. At final follow-up, 18 eyes (72%) achieved complete success and one eye (4%) qualified success.ConclusionThe XEN® gel stent effectively reduced IOP in uncontrolled uveitic glaucoma, with 72% complete success. Bleb revision was required in 24%. IOP spikes occurred in 12% despite functioning blebs. Further follow-up is needed to determine long-term outcomes.

Diode Laser Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation With a Novel Low-Cost Torchlight Method of Trans-Corneal Transillumination in Refractory Pediatric Glaucoma.

Trans-corneal transillumination (TI) aided transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) for intraocular pressure control of refractory pediatric glaucoma was found to be effective at 1 year. To study 1-year outcomes of diode laser TSCPC with trans-corneal TI using a novel low-cost torchlight method in refractory pediatric glaucoma. This prospective interventional study included children with refractory glaucoma who underwent TSCPC with the Oculight laser system (IRIS Medical Instruments) with trans-corneal TI (TSCPC-TI) using a novel low-cost torchlight method. Children completing a minimum 1-year follow-up were analyzed. They were compared with a historical control group of children who underwent TSCPC without TI (TSCPC-No-TI) at the 1-year follow-up period. We analyzed the mean laser energy delivered, post-laser intraocular pressure reduction, number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM), the requirement of retreatment and complications of the procedure in both groups. Forty-two eyes of 35 patients comprised the TSCPC-TI group and were compared with 31 eyes of 21 patients in the TSCPC-No-TI group. The TSCPC-TI group required lower energy than the TSCPC-No-TI group (24.7±7.8 J vs. 47.2±10.9 J, P <0.0001). Mean topical antiglaucoma drug requirement decreased from 2.9±0.08 before treatment to 0.66±0.8 at the end of 1 year in TSCPC-TI and from 2.6±1.0 before treatment to 0.6±0.77 in the TSCPC-No-TI groups, respectively ( P =0.15). There was a significantly reduced dependence of oral acetazolamide in the TSCPC-TI group at 1-year follow-up [5.7% vs. 61.9%, respectively ( P <0.001%)]. No adverse event of hypotony or choroidal detachment was noted in any group. TSCPC aided by TI with a low-cost torchlight for pediatric refractory glaucoma was found to be effective at 1 year in reducing intraocular pressure and the burden of medication.

A rare case of fulminant idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterised by raised intracranial pressure and normal cerebrospinal fluid composition with no detectable intracranial aetiology. Fulminant IIH is rare and is defined by the acute onset of symptoms and signs (less than 4 weeks between onset of symptoms and severe vision loss) with progressive vision loss over days.&#x0D; Case presentation: A 22-year-old woman with body mass index of 27.6 was diagnosed with fulminant IIH. Her presenting vision was hand movement and it progressed rapidly to no light perception by day 4. She was managed with oral acetazolamide and intermittent lumbar punctures. Nevertheless, she did not regain her vision.&#x0D; Conclusion: Fulminant IIH is a vision-threatening condition that must be recognised and treated early to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Complications of uneventful phacoemulsification on the first postoperative day: to determine the necessity of the first day review

Purpose: To establish the type and number of complications detected on the first postoperative day and to determine the necessity of the first day review.&#x0D; Study design: Clinical audit.&#x0D; Methods: This is a retrospective review of 297 patients who underwent routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery by qualified ophthalmologists and trainees from September to December 2020 at our day-care operation theatre. All cases of uncomplicated phacoemulsification were analysed for the types and frequency ofcomplications on postoperative day one.&#x0D; Results: Of 297 cases of routine cataract surgery, 6.7% of cases were excluded due to intraoperative complications. Of the remaining 277 cases, a total of 54 cases (19.5%) were found to have complications on day 1 postoperative review. These included raised intraocular pressure (67.0%), epithelial defect (20.0%), intense inflammation with presence of fibrin (5.0%), retained soft lens matter (4.0%), retained fibres (2.0%), and exposed corneal suture (2.0%). Two patients (0.7%) needed the removal of soft lens matter. Of 36 cases of raised intraocular pressure, 1 patient required anterior chamber paracentesis for retained viscoelastic, 18 patients required topical antiglaucoma medication, 15 patients needed systemic oral acetazolamide, and 2 patients with pre-existing glaucoma were instructed to continue their antiglaucoma medications.&#x0D; Conclusions: Following uneventful phacoemulsification, only 19.5% of patients were found to have complications on day 1 postoperative review. The most frequent complication was raised intraocular pressure, which can be detected on the day of surgery. Reviewing patients on the same day of surgery can reduce workload and demands on clinician time. It can also significantly reduce health care costs without compromising patient safety.

Safety and Efficacy of Oral Acetazolamide Therapy in Relief of Congestion in Patients With Heart Failure and Diuretic Resistance

Safety and Efficacy of Oral Acetazolamide Therapy in Relief of Congestion in Patients With Heart Failure and Diuretic Resistance

Papilledema in Patients with Presumed Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Diagnosed Without a Lumbar Puncture: A Case Report

Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to present two cases of papilledema secondary to presumed IIH and medically managed with an oral diuretic without first obtaining cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure and composition. Method: A 31-year-old female presented for evaluation of blurry vision in both eyes and a history of transient vision loss with postural changes. A 22-year-old female presented for evaluation of blurry vision in both eyes and headaches that started during her pregnancy. She reported double vision that was relieved when she closed one eye. This is a case report of two overweight females who presented with bilateral optic disc edema and were referred for neuro-ophthalmological evaluation. Both patients were treated with oral acetazolamide without lumbar puncture to confirm elevated intracranial pressure or abnormal cerebrospinal fluid components. Result: The features associated with idiopathic intracranial pressure may include papilledema, a headache, pulsatile tinnitus, blind spot enlargement on visual field testing, and diplopia. Conclusion: Although the diagnosis of IIH has historically been contingent on cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure of 25 cm H2O measured by a lumbar puncture, the health professions community should be aware that some patients are being managed with oral acetazolamide for presumed IIH-related signs and symptoms without the evidence of elevated intracranial pressure or cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities.

Efficacy of Acetazolamide in Refractory Epilepsy Management: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Acetazolamide in refractory epilepsy management.&#x0D; Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Outpatient Neurology Department, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan, from Sep 2020 to Feb 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique, 260 patients of either gender aged 18 to 60 years who met the criteria of refractory epilepsy were included in the study. Group-A (n=130) received oral Acetazolamide (250 mg twice a day) plus standard antiepileptic drugs, and Group-B (n=130) received a placebo plus standard antiepileptic drugs. Patients were assessed every four weeks for a six-month response to treatment. The outcome was assessed in terms of control of refractory epilepsy.&#x0D; Results: Acetazolamide was effective in 88(68.2%) patients compared to Placebo Group, which showed efficacy in 41(31.8%) patients (p-value was &lt;0.001). In addition, the mean change in the number of attacks after treatment was significantly different between Group-A (2.9±1.5) versus Group-B (1.6±1.6) (p-value &lt;0.001).Conclusion: Acetazolamide is effective in treating refractory epilepsy.

Clinical Outcomes of Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation: 2 Years of Experience in Portuguese Eyes.

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MPTSCPC) in glaucoma patients, with standard parameters, over a 24-month period. Retrospective analysis of 61 eyes undergoing MPTSCPC from January 2018 to December 2020 was carried out. Patients received 160 seconds of laser, with settings of 2000 mW/cm2 and a duty cycle of 31.3%. A total of 61 eyes were included, arranged in an age distribution of 73.9 ± 10.8 years. The most frequent diagnosis was primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), with a mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 5/10 in the Snellen Visual chart. Around 37.7% of the eyes had undergone at least one glaucoma filtration surgery prior to MPTSCPC. The mean pretreatment intraocular pressure (IOP) was 24.9 ± 8.6 mm Hg. Except for the contrast at 24 months, at every other follow-up visit, there was a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.001) in IOP and in the number of topical drugs required to control IOP, from four (baseline) to three, with oral acetazolamide suspension in most cases. The total success rate (absolute and clinical successes combined) was 81.9% after 1 year of the treatment. There was no drop in visual acuity or cases of serious complications. There is a positive and significant correlation between prior glaucoma surgery and the need for reinterventions (p = 0.028). Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MPTSCPC) is an effective and safe procedure for reducing IOP within a broad spectrum of glaucoma patients. Additional studies are needed to confirm the current indications, widen their scope, and determine the optimal treatment settings on an individual basis. Basto RC, Almeida J, Roque JN, et al. Clinical Outcomes of Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation: 2 Years of Experience in Portuguese Eyes. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(1):30-36.

Acetazolamide and bevacizumab combination therapy versus bevacizumab monotherapy in macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.

To determine and compare the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and oral acetazolamide (OA) combination therapy versus IVB monotherapy in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). This randomized clinical trial included 54 eyes of 52 patients with RVO central macular thickness (CMT) of more than 300μm, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 20/400 and 20/40. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to two groups: (I) IVB and OA (250mg twice daily) combination therapy or (II) IVB monotherapy. Ocular injections were repeated monthly for up to three months; BCVA and CMT were measured monthly. Both regimens resulted in significant reduction in CMT (534±150μm to 352±90μm in the IVB+OA group, P<0.001; and 580±175μm to 362±90μm in the IVB group, P<0.001); neither showed superiority in this regard. Likewise, BCVA showed significant improvement in both groups (0.87±0.56 to 0.53±0.28 LogMAR in the IVB+OA group, P=0.001; and 0.85±0.62 to 0.46±0.4 LogMAR in the IVB group, P<0.001), with no intergroup difference. Addition of oral acetazolamide to IVB in eyes with macular edema secondary to RVO may not result in additional short-term benefits regarding functional and anatomical outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05290948, registered on March 22, 2022. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05290948.

Acetazolamide versus placebo for cerebral oedema requiring dexamethasone in recurrent and/or progressive high-grade glioma: phase II randomised placebo-controlled double-blind study

ObjectivesSymptoms of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG) generally require corticosteroid treatment, often causing toxicity with variable effects on ICP symptoms. Acetazolamide reduces ICP when used in...

Effects of acetazolamide on linear growth in children with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome.

While oral acetazolamide is a cornerstone of management of adult and pediatric PTCS, previous studies have suggested that acetazolamide used in children with other conditions may influence growth. Retrospective chart review involving a single tertiary medical center. Thirty-four children with definite or probable PTCS were identified. Analysis was restricted to individuals from whom anthropometric data were available before and during acetazolamide treatment (n=22). Half of individuals (n=11/22) showed a decline in BMI Z-scores. Sixty-three percent (n=14/22) showed a decrease in height Z-scores during treatment with acetazolamide; in 6 of these 14 children who had complete data, 3 showed at least a partial recovery of height Z-scores after discontinuation of acetazolamide. Acetazolamide may be associated with growth suppression in some children treated for pediatric PTCS. In some cases, the growth suppression appears to reverse once the acetazolamide is stopped.

The effect of acetazolamide on the retinal and choroidal vasculature of the macula and the optic disc using OCT angiography

Introduction and objectivesTo investigate the effect of acetazolamide (AZ) on the retinal and choroidal ocular microvasculature in the macula and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) of the optic disc with OCT Angiography (OCTA). Materials and methodsNine-month observational cross-sectional study. Forty-five eyes from 45 healthy participants who underwent cataract surgery were recruited. Macular retina and choriocapillaris vessel density (VD) and RPC VD in the optic disc area were compared before and 60min after 250mg acetazolamide per os. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and systemic blood pressure (BP) were also measured before each scan. ResultsMean age was 73.1±6.9 years. VDs in the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexus of the retina and the choriocapillaris (CC) in the macular area showed no significant change (P>.5, for all parameters). VD in the RPC showed no significant change with AZ (P>.5, for all parameters). Foveal and parafoveal thickness increased from 248.98 (±23.89) to 250.33 (±23.74) and from 311.62 (±16.53) to 311.98 (±16.38) (P<.001 and P=.046), respectively. IOP decreased from 13.2 (±3.0) mmHg to 11.8 (±3.2) mmHg (P<.001), while systolic and diastolic BP decreased from 144.8 (±21.8) to 137.7 (±19.0) and from 80.0 (±12.7) to 76.2 (±11.7) (P=.021 and P=.030), respectively. ConclusionsOCTA imaging did not reveal any significant changes in the VD of the optic disc or the retinal and choroidal VD in the macula with oral AZ one hour after its administration in otherwise healthy participants who underwent cataract surgery.

Efecto de la acetazolamida en la vasculatura retiniana y coroidea de la mácula y el disco óptico mediante angiografía OCT

Introduction and objectivesTo investigate the effect of acetazolamide (AZ) on the retinal and choroidal ocular microvasculature in the macula and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) of the optic disc with OCT Angiography (OCTA). Materials and methodsNine-month observational cross-sectional study. Forty-five eyes from 45 healthy participants who underwent cataract surgery were recruited. Macular retina and choriocapillaris vessel density (VD) and RPC VD in the optic disc area were compared before and 60minutes after 250mg acetazolamide per os. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and systemic blood pressure (BP) were also measured before each scan. ResultsMean age was 73.1±6.9 years. VDs in the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexus of the retina and the choriocapillaris (CC) in the macular area showed no significant change (p>0.5, for all parameters). VD in the RPC showed no significant change with AZ (p>0.5, for all parameters). Foveal and parafoveal thickness increased from 248.98 (±23.89) to 250.33 (±23.74) and from 311.62 (±16.53) to 311.98 (±16.38) (p<0.001 and p=0.046), respectively. IOP decreased from 13.2 (±3.0) mmHg to 11.8 (±3.2) mmHg (p<0.001), while systolic and diastolic BP decreased from 144.8 (±21.8) to 137.7 (±19.0) and from 80.0 (±12.7) to 76.2 (±11.7) (p=0.021 and p=0.030), respectively. ConclusionsOCTA imaging did not reveal any significant changes in the VD of the optic disc or the retinal and choroidal VD in the macula with oral AZ one hour after its administration in otherwise healthy participants who underwent cataract surgery.

Preventing Intraocular Pressure Elevation after Phacoemulsification in Normal Tension Glaucoma or Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome with Oral Acetazolamide

Preventing Intraocular Pressure Elevation after Phacoemulsification in Normal Tension Glaucoma or Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome with Oral Acetazolamide

Visual outcomes of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in a neuro-ophthalmology clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder with elevated intracranial pressure more than 250 mm H2O, without evidence of meningeal inflammation, space-occupying lesion, or venous thrombosis. In this study, we aim to study the clinical profile, evaluation, management, and visual outcome in a hospital-based population of IIH cases in Jeddah. This is a retrospective observational cohort study that included the medical records of all patients referred to neuro-ophthalmology service for evaluation of papilledema. The medical records have been reviewed from October 2018 to February 2020 at Jeddah Eye Hospital, Saudi Arabia. A total of 51 patients presented with papilledema in the studied period. Forty-seven patients met our inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The study found that the incidence rate of IIH is 16:100 of the referred cases to the neuro-ophthalmology clinic. Most of the patients were females (41, 91.2%), with a mean age of presentation of 32 ± 11 years. The most common presenting symptom was headache (40 patients, 88.8%), followed by transient visual obscuration (TVO) (20 patients, 44.4%), and reduced visual acuity (15 patients, 33.3%). All 45 patients were started on medical treatment with oral acetazolamide with four patients (8.8%) shifted to topiramate because of the lack of response or intolerance to acetazolamide while four patients (8.8%) underwent lumbar-peritoneal shunt because of inadequate control of the disease despite the treatment with medical therapy. For both eyes, the change in visual acuity across all assessment points was statistically significant. Nevertheless, there were no significant changes in the visual field findings among all of the compared assessment points. The present study has shown that IIH-related papilledema is common in young female patients with headaches, TVOs, and reduced visual acuity. Those are the most common symptoms in our IIH population. Medical treatment and monitoring of IIH is efficient and should be considered to enhance the prognosis of IIH-related complications. In addition, the visual acuity and the visual field should be frequently monitored for these patients.