latanoprost and Hypertrichosis

Latanoprost, used clinically in the treatment of glaucoma, induces growth of lashes and ancillary hairs around the eyelids. Manifestations include greater thickness and length of lashes, additional lash rows, conversion of vellus to terminal hairs in canthal areas as well as in regions adjacent to lash rows. In conjunction with increased growth, increased pigmentation occurs. Vellus hairs of the lower eyelids also undergo increased growth and pigmentation. Brief latanoprost therapy for 2-17 days (3-25.5 microg total dosage) induced findings comparable to chronic therapy in five patients. Latanoprost reversed alopecia of the eyelashes in one patient. Laboratory experiments with latanoprost have demonstrated stimulation of hair growth in mice and in the balding scalp of the stumptailed macaque, a primate that demonstrates androgenetic alopecia. The increased number of visible lashes is consistent with the ability of latanoprost to induce anagen (the growth phase) in telogen (resting) follicles while inducing hypertrophic changes in the involved follicles. The increased length of lashes is consistent with the ability of latanoprost to prolong the anagen phase of the hair cycle. Correlation with laboratory studies suggests that initiation and completion of latanoprost hair growth effects occur very early in anagen and the likely target is the dermal papilla.

Topics: Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Eye Color; Eyelashes; Glaucoma; Hair Follicle; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Intraocular Pressure; Latanoprost; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic

The only proven therapy for glaucoma is intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, which can be accomplished by different means. Each should be properly discussed with patients in order to best preserve visual function and quality of life. We report a case of unilateral pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, treated for years with triple topical IOP-lowering drugs. The patient presented with advanced optic neuropathy and important ocular side effects secondary to the treatment. Having discussed his options and prognosis, laser trabeculoplasty was performed while maintaining the remaining therapy considering the advanced stage of glaucoma. His IOP was effectively reduced and no progression was noted after 1-year follow-up. Although medical therapy is the mainstream in glaucoma management, its side effects should not be ignored, especially in unilateral cases. Surgery might have been a better solution, but we chose to perform laser trabeculoplasty, an effective and safer alternative, considering the unlikely but serious risk of the "wipe-out phenomenon" in this case.

Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; Drug Therapy, Combination; Exfoliation Syndrome; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Intraocular Pressure; Iris Diseases; Latanoprost; Male; Middle Aged; Pigmentation Disorders; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; Sulfonamides; Thiazines; Timolol; Trabeculectomy

Prostaglandin analogues (PGA) are ocular hypotensive agents used for the treatment of glaucoma. Hypertrichosis of the eyelashes has been reported in humans as a side effect. Eyelash growth was investigated with clinical trials in people using bimatoprost. Scattered reports of eyelash growth during the treatment of glaucoma with other PGA are also found in the literature. We investigated the effect of 4 different topical PGA on eyelash length.. Forty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 4 groups and received daily topical application of bimatoprost, tafluprost, travoprost, and latanoprost in the left eye for 4 weeks. The right eye received no treatment. Eyelash length was measured in both eyes before and after treatment using a stainless steel digital caliper.. Bimatoprost and tafluprost groups had significant increases in eyelash length. We did not observe significant eyelash growth in rabbits receiving travoprost and latanoprost after 1 month of treatment.. Today, only bimatoprost is approved for growing eyelashes, and our research shows that tafluprost could be further explored by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Additional research using travoprost and latanoprost as agents for eyelash growth should be performed in the future using prolonged treatment periods to determine whether or not these PGA induce eyelash growth, and investigate other possible side effects.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Amides; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Bimatoprost; Cloprostenol; Eyelashes; Female; Hypertrichosis; Latanoprost; Male; Prostaglandins F; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; Rabbits; Travoprost

Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Eyelashes; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Latanoprost; Male; Middle Aged; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the incidence and severity of iridial pigmentation under latanoprost topical use on brown eyes in Taiwan.. Retrospective review study was conducted from April 1999 to October 2001 in the Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, for glaucoma clinic monthly follow-up patients; 140 open-angle glaucoma patients on 0.005% latanoprost were enrolled. Analyses of iridial pigmentation incidence, grading, patient age distribution, side effect, and time course were performed. Boys-Smith pigment gradation lens was used as standard for semiquantitative iris pigmentation grading.. Before 0.005% latanoprost use, 90% of the patients enrolled were noted with iridial pigmentation grade I, and 10% were with grade I-II, but not reaching grade II scale standard. A total of 60 patients on 0.005% latanoprost developed increased pigmentation of the iris during the follow-up period. An increase of iris pigmentation was noted after an average of 7.27 months use of latanoprost (range 1-19 months, SD 2.65 months). For iridial pigmentation grading, 57.1, 30.7, 10.0, and 2.1% of our patients were noted to have grade I, II, III, and IV respectively. Most patients with latanoprost-induced iris hyperpigmentation were with grade II iridial pigmentation. There were 15 patients (10.7%) (10 female and five male) with hypertrichosis in the study group who were not compatible with the iridial pigmentation status. Among these patients, female patients had higher incidence of hypertrichosis than males, but this did not bother them. Only four patients (2.8%) were with conjunctiva chemosis and three patients (2.1%) with lid margin hyperpigmentation.. Contrary to the belief that latanoprost rarely caused iris hyperpigmentation in yellow-brown eyes, our study showed that 42.8% iris hyperpigmentation did occur, especially after continual use for around 7 months. Higher hyperpigmentation incidence were noted in male than in female patients. This might be due to stronger adrenergic incidence in male than in female patients. Although hypertrichosis and increasing eyelid pigmentation together with iridial pigmentation represented a potentially permanent cosmetic side effect, they are very rare and occurred in no more than 3% in our patients. It is a good way to take Boys-Smith pigment gradation lens for iridial pigmentation grading and for long-term continual evaluation. The doctors should exert great care in differentiating drug-induced iris pigmentation and iris nevi from early stage uveal melanoma.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antihypertensive Agents; Child; Female; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Hypertrichosis; Iris Diseases; Latanoprost; Male; Middle Aged; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index

Latanoprost and isopropyl unoprostone, which are analogues of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), are promising drugs for the reduction of intra-ocular pressure. However, they have been reported to have side effects, including hypertrichosis and hyperpigmentation of the eyelashes and periocular skin, and occasionally poliosis. In order to investigate these effects further, PGF2alpha, latanoprost and isopropyl unoprostone were applied to the dorsal skin of 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice, and hair length was measured during the treatment. The three molecules all showed stimulatory effects on the murine hair follicles and the follicular melanocytes in both the telogen and anagen stages, and stimulated conversion from the telogen to the anagen phase. PGE2 is known to act synergistically with PGF2alpha, and hence the influence of PGE2 was also examined. PGE2 did not induce distinct telogen-to-anagen conversion, but showed moderate growth stimulatory effects on early anagen hair follicles. In addition, we observed a case of hypertrichosis and trichomegaly with an excess of melanogenesis, leading to the emergence of white hair, suggesting that poliosis can occur as a side effect of eye treatment with solutions of PGF2alpha analogues. The stimulatory effects of PGF2alpha and PGE2 on hair growth have been discussed with regard to the role of protein kinase C and mast cells.

Topics: Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Cell Division; Dinoprost; Female; Hair; Hair Color; Hair Follicle; Hypertrichosis; Latanoprost; Melanocytes; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic

To report a case of lash ptosis caused by latanoprost.. Observational case report.. Retrospective chart review.. A 61-year-old, ocular hypertensive man who was using latanoprost OU presented with trichomegaly and bilateral lash ptosis. The lash ptosis had not resolved 6 months after stopping latanoprost, and anterior lamellar repositions were performed. At last follow-up, 8 months after surgery, the lids were in a normal position, but the trichomegaly had reduced only slightly.. Lash ptosis should be considered as a possible complication of latanoprost therapy.

Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Blepharoptosis; Eyelashes; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Intraocular Pressure; Latanoprost; Male; Middle Aged; Ocular Hypertension; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic

To report poliosis as a side effect associated with topical prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) analogs.. Case series.. Seven patients treated with different topical PGF(2alpha) analogs for primary open angle glaucoma developed bilateral poliosis, either alone or in combination with other adverse effects of PGF(2alpha) analog therapy.. Poliosis is a possible adverse effect of topical PGF(2alpha) analog therapy which is previously unreported. Topical PGF(2alpha) analog therapy should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with poliosis.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amides; Antihypertensive Agents; Bimatoprost; Cloprostenol; Eyelashes; Female; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Hair Diseases; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Intraocular Pressure; Latanoprost; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Pigmentation Disorders; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; Travoprost

Latanoprost, a prostaglandin F(2alpha)-analogue, has been widely in use in clinical practice for a period of over 5 years. The side-effects of latanoprost are analyzed and the clinical relevance is discussed.. Hypertrichosis and increased pigmentation of eyelashes will develop in the majority of patients using latanoprost for more than 6 months. Increased pigmentation of the eyelids may also occur. Hyperpigmentation of the iris is seen in 12-18% of caucasians using latanoprost over a period of 1-2 years. Increased iris pigmentation seems more common in asian people and remains unchanged after discontinuation of therapy. Pigmentation of intra- and extraocular structures is caused by increased melanogenesis, not by melanocyte proliferation. Mild conjunctival hyperemia may develop in approximately 30% of patients, but is most often without clinical relevance. Further reported side-effects include anterior uveitis, reactivation of herpes-keratitis/-dermatitis and cystoid macular edema in pseudophakic and aphakic patients. A causal relationship has still not been proven for these side-effects. Systemic side-effects are rare (e.g. headache, facial rash, cardiovascular effects). No experience exists for treatment of glaucoma with latanoprost in childhood.. Latanoprost represents a highly effective antiglaucomatous drug, rarely associated with vision-threatening complications. The most common complications are hypertrichosis of eyelashes and increased pigmentation of extra- and intraocular structures. A careful lifetime evaluation of these patients is recommended. Systemic side-effects are rare, but may occur.

Topics: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eyelashes; Eyelid Diseases; Glaucoma; Hyperpigmentation; Hypertrichosis; Latanoprost; Macular Edema; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; Risk Factors; Uveitis

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antihypertensive Agents; Eyelashes; Eyelid Diseases; Female; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Latanoprost; Male; Middle Aged; Ocular Hypertension; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic

We describe a female patient with a history of primary open-angle glaucoma who, following treatment with topical latanoprost, a synthetic prostaglandin F2 alpha analog, developed hypertrichosis of the eyelashes. Hypertrichosis, a recently described side effect of latanoprost--together with iridal pigmentation--represents a potentially permanent cosmetic side effect associated with the use of this highly effective intraocular pressure-lowering agent. The molecular mechanism underlying latanoprost-induced hypertrichosis is unknown.

Topics: Aged; Antihypertensive Agents; Eyelashes; Female; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Latanoprost; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antihypertensive Agents; Female; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Latanoprost; Male; Middle Aged; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic

Topics: Alopecia Areata; Antihypertensive Agents; Eyelashes; Female; Glaucoma; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Intraocular Pressure; Latanoprost; Middle Aged; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic

To describe hypertrichosis and increased pigmentation of eyelashes associated with topical latanoprost usage.. Patients using unilateral topical latanoprost for glaucoma were examined for evidence of hypertrichosis and pigmentation of eyelashes and adjacent hair in the latanoprost-treated eye compared with the nontreated control eye.. In 43 patients receiving unilateral topical latanoprost, hypertrichosis involved ipsilateral terminal eyelashes and regional intermediate hairs of the upper and lower eyelid as well as vellus hair of the lower eyelid skin. Differences in hair appearance between the latanoprost-treated eye and the nontreated control eye included increased number, length, thickness, curvature, and pigmentation.. Latanoprost-treated eyes develop hypertrichosis and increased pigmentation in the region of treatment. Patients may benefit from being made aware of this side effect.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Eyelashes; Eyelids; Female; Glaucoma; Hair; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Latanoprost; Male; Middle Aged; Pigmentation; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic