The Role of Plasma Lipid Profile in Patients with Type A Behavior Pattern with POAG

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the lipid profile and the evolution of the damage of the visual field in 2 groups of patients with POAG, one group of patients with type A Behaviour and the other with type B Behaviour.

METHODS: The study involved 45 patients, 26 women and 19 men, affected by POAG, without significant differences in disease duration. 25 patients presented characteristics of type A behaviour and 20 characteristics of type B behaviour. They are submitted to an complete bio-microscopic examination, tonometry and daily tonometric curve, examination of the visual field through computerized “Octopus 1-2-3” perimeter and determination of the lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol; LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides) at time 0 and after 3 years.

RESULTS: In patients with type A behaviour the values relating to the single components of the lipid profile both at time 0 and after 3 years proved to be constantly higher in a statistically significant way than those found in patients with type B behaviour and the impairment of the visual field is more serious and that its evolution in time is more marked.

CONCLUSION: The more rapid progression of the damage of the visual field in patients with type A behavior could recognize in the altered profile lipid one of pathogenetic causes.