erythropoietin in optic neuritis

Q: Erythropoietin may have a ______________ effect on acute optic neuritis. (select one)

A) beneficial

B) deleterious

Answer: A

Although corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment for optic neuritis, other treatments have been either tried or in clinical trials. One such treatment with a beneficial effect is Erythropoietin. A probable mechanism of action is improved oxygen supply to the tissues by alleviating anemia.

At least in one clinical trial, when compared with a placebo, active treatment with Erythropoietin appears safe and is associated with reduced retinal nerve fiber layer thinning on optical coherence tomography and shortened latencies on visual evoked potential at 16 weeks.

Other treatments tried with various efficacy but no proven benefit yet are Dalfampridine, phenytoin, amiloride, and anti-LINGO monoclonal antibody.

#neurology

References:

1. Sühs KW, Hein K, Sättler MB, et al. A randomized, double-blind, phase 2 study of erythropoietin in optic neuritis. Ann Neurol 2012; 72:199.

2. Toosy AT, Mason DF, Miller DH. Optic neuritis. Lancet Neurol 2014; 13:83.

3. Horton L, Conger A, Conger D, et al. Effect of 4-aminopyridine on vision in multiple sclerosis patients with optic neuropathy. Neurology 2013; 80:1862.