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Article in Japanese
An incidence of the ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy and the usefulness of a periodic visual acuity test: A questionnaire survey in Japan
Masataka Matsumotoa Masamitsu Hamakawaa Toshiyasu Sakuraia Kimihide Tadaa Akihiko Ikedaa Tatsuo Katob Takashi Yoshiyamac Riyo Fujiyamad Fumiaki Nakamurae
aDepartment of Respiratory Disease, Nishi-Kobe Medical Center
bDepartment of Respiratory Disease, National Hospital Organization Nagara Medical Center
cRespiratory Medicine Section, Fukujuji Hospital
dPublic Health Center of Kobe City
eDepartment of Epidemiology and Health-Care Research, Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto University
To investigate an incidence of the ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy and the usefulness of a periodic visual acuity test in patients with acid-fast bacilli (AFB) infection, we performed a questionnaire survey among 133 hospitals with an isolation ward for tuberculosis in Japan. Forty-nine among the 133 responded, and 32 patients with optic neuropathy were identified. The rate of occurrence was 0.440%. The incidence of the ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy was significantly higher in patients who had undergone a periodic visual acuity test before or after taking ethambutol than in patients who did not (odds ratio 4.3, p=0.005). The optic neuropathy may not be a rare complication in patients with AFB infection treated with ethambutol, and an ophthalmological consultation should be recommended.
Ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy Ethambutol Optic neuropathy
Received 15 Oct 2012 / Accepted 19 Dec 2012
AJRS, 2(3): 187-192, 2013