Evaluation of Subcutaneous Injection of Erythropoietin on Visual Functions in Patients with Late Onset Optic Neuropathy: A Pilot Clinical Study

Abstract Purpose: This pilot study aimed to assess the efficacy of subcutaneous erythropoietin injection on visual functions in patients having late stage optic neuropathy (LSON).Methods: The study included 20 patients diagnosed with LSON. All patients underwent a detailed history including the onset of the attack, diagnosis of the cause of optic neuropathy, assessment of visual acuity, pupil reaction, and flash visual evoked potential. Systemic erythropoietin injections (Eprex 20000 IU) were administrated subcutaneously once daily for three consecutive days. Cases were followed up for 4 weeks and 12 weeks by recording visual acuity, recording flash visual evoked potential and evaluating the need of second dose of Erythropoietin injection.Results:The mean age of the studied patients at presentation was 43.2± 17.3 years. The mean duration of the disease was 5.4± 3 months. There were statistically significant improvements of visual acuity, color vision and VEP parameters after one month (p<0.001) with 16 patients showing improvement. The results continued to be statistically significant after three months (p=0.002); without having any side effects.Conclusion: The subcutaneous erythropoietin may effectively and safely treat the LSON provided that the flash visual evoked potentials recorded at the baseline are within acceptable limits. More well-designed studies are needed to assert upon these results.