Intravitreal foscarnet for cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS
Ausayakhun, S.; Watananikorn, S.; Ngamtiphakorn, S.; Prasitsilp, J.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 88(1): 103-107
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 15960227 Document Number: 2336
To determine the visual outcome, progression, and complications of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis treated with intravitreal foscarnet (2.4 mg, in 0.1 ml per injection), a retrospective study was carried out in 193 patients. Induction therapy consisted of two injections a week until the lesions were inactive. Maintenance therapy consisted of one injection a week until relapse, then re-induction was instituted In 301 treated eyes, visual acuity remained stable in 184 (61%), improved in 16 (5%), and decreased in 101 (34%). Of these, 15 retinal detachments, 13 intravitreal hemorrhages, 3 endophthalmitis, and 2 cataract occurred Median time of first progression was 15 weeks. Involvement of the fellow eye occurred in 35% of the patients during treatment of the first eye. Intravitreal foscarnet appeared to be a useful alternative treatment for patients intolerant or unaffordable to intravenous anti-CMV drugs, but the complications of this treatment should also be considered.
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