Related Experiment Videos
[Computerized perimetry in infants treated with ethambutol (author's transl)]
Insights
Ethambutol, used for tuberculosis treatment in children, did not show significant visual field or acuity changes up to 166.5g. The critical adult dose of 150g appears safe for infants, but monitoring is advised, especially with kidney issues.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Ethambutol is a first-line antitubercular drug.
- Pediatric tuberculosis treatment requires careful monitoring for drug toxicity.
- Optic nerve damage is a known side effect of Ethambutol in adults.
Purpose:
- To assess the safety of Ethambutol on central visual field function in pediatric patients.
- To determine if the critical cumulative dose of Ethambutol in adults poses a risk to children's vision.
Summary:
- Computerized perimetry (Competer) evaluated 12 pediatric eyes receiving Ethambutol for tuberculosis.
- No significant changes in visual acuity, visual field, or retinal threshold were observed with cumulative doses up to 166.5g.
- The study concluded that the 150g critical dose for adults does not adversely affect the infant optic nerve.
Impact:
- Findings suggest Ethambutol is relatively safe for pediatric visual function at prescribed doses.
- Highlights the need for parental awareness regarding potential visual side effects with prolonged treatment or renal impairment.
- Recommends periodic visual field examinations and color vision testing for children on Ethambutol, particularly those with renal tuberculosis.
Abstract:
Computerized perimetry of the central visual field (Competer) was utilized in 12 eyes of children treated with Ethambutol because of tuberculosis to verify potential visual hazards of the drug. Visual acuity, visual field and the mean retinal threshold of the central field revealed no significant changes with increasing cumulative Ethambutol dose up to 166.5 g. The visual field was re-checked five times with a consecutive time lapse of 7 weeks. It can be concluded that the critical total dose of 150 g that is considered to be potential dangerous in adults does not affect the optic nerve of the infant either. Since this total dose can be exceeded in the continued treatment of the disease parents should be aware of the necessity of repeated visual field examinations or color vision testing. This concern is especially valid in infants suffering from renal tuberculosis because of higher plasma levels of the drug when excretion is prolonged.