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Clinical Trial
. 2004 Dec;88(12):1568-72.
doi: 10.1136/bjo.2004.046607.

Effect of niacin on the choroidal circulation of patients with age related macular degeneration

T I Metelitsina  1 , J E Grunwald, J C DuPont, G-S Ying
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Effect of niacin on the choroidal circulation of patients with age related macular degeneration

T I Metelitsina et al. Br J Ophthalmol. 2004 Dec.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effects of niacin on choroidal blood flow in age related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: 12 AMD patients with bilateral drusen and visual acuity of 20/40 or better in the study eye received a single oral dose of niacin (six subjects received 500 mg and six received 250 mg) or matching placebo on two separate occasions. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to assess relative choroidal blood velocity (ChB(Vel)), volume (ChB(Vol)), and flow (ChB(Flow)) in the foveola of the study eye at baseline, 30, and 90 minutes after dosing.

Results: In comparison with placebo, a statistically significant 24% increase in ChB(Vol) was observed 30 minutes after niacin administration (ANOVA, p = 0.01). In comparison with placebo, a significant decrease in ChB(Vel) of 23% was observed in the 500 mg group (p = 0.04) and no significant change in ChB(Vel) was seen in the 250 mg group at 30 minutes. No significant changes in ChB(Flow) were detected at 30 or 90 minutes. Also, there were no statistically significant changes in ChB(Vol) or ChB(Vel) at 90 minutes.

Conclusion: In comparison with placebo, a significant 24% increase in ChB(Vol) was observed 30 minutes after niacin administration. Owing to simultaneous decrease in ChB(Vel), however, no significant change in ChB(Flow) was detected.

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Figures

Figure 6
Figure 6
For each subject, a comparison of the percentage change in choroidal blood velocity (ChBVel) 30 minutes following placebo and niacin 250 and 500 mg.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Percentage change in choroidal blood flow (ChBFlow) at 30 minutes after treatment with placebo and niacin for the six subjects that received 500 mg dose of niacin. In comparison with placebo, no significant effect on ChBFlow was detected following niacin administration (ANOVA; p = 0.93). Error bars correspond to ±1 SE.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Average choroidal blood volume (ChBVol) in arbitrary units (AU) at baseline, 30 minutes, and 90 minutes after treatment with placebo and niacin for the 12 subjects (500 and 250 mg dose of niacin) analysed together. In comparison with placebo, a significant effect on ChBVol was detected following niacin administration (ANOVA; p = 0.01). Error bars correspond to ±1 SE.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage change in choroidal blood volume (ChBVol) at 30 minutes after treatment with placebo and niacin for the six subjects who received 500 mg dose of niacin. In comparison with placebo, a significant effect on ChBVol was detected following niacin administration (ANOVA; p = 0.03). Error bars correspond to ±1 SE.
Figure 3
Figure 3
For each subject, a comparison of the percentage change in choroidal blood volume (ChBVol) 30 minutes following placebo and niacin 250 and 500 mg.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Average choroidal blood velocity (ChBVel) in arbitrary units (AU) at baseline, 30 minutes, and 90 minutes after treatment with placebo and niacin for the 12 subjects (500 and 250 mg dose of niacin) analysed together. In comparison with placebo, no significant effect on ChBVel was detected following niacin treatment (ANOVA; p = 0.17). Error bars correspond to ±1 SE.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Percentage change in choroidal blood velocity (ChBVel) at 30 minutes after treatment with placebo and niacin for the six subjects who received 500 mg dose of niacin. In comparison with placebo, a significant effect on ChBVel was detected following niacin administration (ANOVA; p = 0.04). Error bars correspond to ±1 SE.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Average choroidal blood flow (ChBFlow) in arbitrary units (AU) at baseline, 30 minutes, and 90 minutes after treatment with placebo and niacin for the 12 subjects (500 and 250 mg dose of niacin) analysed together. In comparison with placebo, no significant effect on ChBFlow was detected following niacin administration (ANOVA; p = 0.64). Error bars correspond to ±1 SE.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Percentage change in choroidal blood volume (ChBVol) 30 minutes after niacin treatment versus age (R = +0.565; p = 0.055; % change in ChBVol  =  160 + 2.6 age).
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