Abri Aghdam K, Aghaei H, Soltan Sanjari M, Taherkhani M, Zand A. Comparative Clinical Efficacy of Erythropoietin, Methylprednisolone, and Combination Therapy for Acute Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in a Real-World Setting. Avicenna J Clin Med 2026; 33 (1) :5-12
URL:
http://sjh.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-3298-en.html
1- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Research Center, Moheb Kowsar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Clinical Research Development Unit, Shafa Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran , sandpost3@gmail.com
Abstract: (21 Views)
Background and Objective: Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common cause of acute optic neuropathy in older adults, with no established treatment. This study compared the effects of intravenous erythropoietin, intravenous methylprednisolone, and their combination on visual outcomes in acute NAION.
Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 212 eyes with acute NAION were assigned to three treatment groups, namely erythropoietin (10,000 IU twice daily for 3 days), methylprednisolone (500 mg twice daily for 3 days), or combination therapy. Systemic risk factors were documented. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Paired t-tests evaluated within-group changes, Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-square tests compared groups, and multivariate linear regression identified predictors of final BCVA.
Results: Mean age of participants was 57.8 ± 11.7 years, and 59% of them were male. The BCVA improvement at month 12 did not differ among groups (p=0.814). Multivariate analysis showed baseline BCVA was the only independent predictor of final visual outcome (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Baseline visual acuity predicts long-term outcomes in acute NAION. No significant differences were found between erythropoietin, corticosteroid, or combination therapy, highlighting the need for further studies.