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Abstract #5957 Published in IGR 2-2

A study of changes in the status of autonomic nervous system in primary open angle glaucoma cases

Kumar R; Ahuja VM
Indian Journal of Medical Sciences 1999; 53: 529-534


Control of intraocular pressure (IOP) is influenced by both divisions (sympathetic and para-sympathetic) of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The present study was conducted to confirm existence of any association of ANS with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), if present. Systemic autonomic function tests were assessed in 50 patients with POAG and 50 normal subjects matched for sex and age as a control, using several well-established tests based on cardiovascular reflex responses to standardized stimuli, viz: resting heart rate (RHR), corrected QT interval (QTc), T-wave amplitude, standing to lying ratio (SLR), valsalva ratio, galvanic skin resistance (GSR), and cold pressor test (CPR). Tests were conducted at the Department of Physiology, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Glaucoma Clinic of Guru Nanak Eye Centre from June 1994 to May 1995. Subjects were chosen randomly from known POAG cases with IOP: 25 ± 5.08 mmHg. The results showed a decrease in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic activity of autonomic function tests in POAG, suggesting associated autonomic dysfunction. Sympathetic under-activity was seen in 36 of 50 POAG patients (73%), while para-sympathetic activity was decreased in 43 of 50 (86%) of the POAG subjects when compared with the normal control group. The results help in the conclusion that POAG is associated with autonomic dysfunction and decreased activity of both sympathetic and para-sympathetic divisions of ANS.

Dr. R. Kumar, Maulana Azad Medical College, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, India


Classification:

1.3 Pathogenesis (Part of: 1 General aspects)



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