[High-dose intravitreal ganciclovir in CMV retinitis].

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and tolerability of high-dose (2000microg) intravitreous ganciclovir in the maintenance therapy of CMV retinitis in AIDS patients.

MATERIAL

and methods: Prospective open study in a single center. The maintenance therapy of CMV retinitis consisted of a single high-dose (2000microg) intravitreous injection per week. The evaluation criteria were clinical examinations, and photographs when necessary.

RESULTS

Over a 44-week period, twenty-four eyes (15 patients) have been included. The relapse rate evaluated by the survival curves method was 5% at 44 weeks. No ocular toxicity was reported after a follow-up of 24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

High-dose intravitreous ganciclovir induces a prolonged remission of CMV retinitis and is well tolerated. Therefore, we recommend the use of the 2000microg dosage per intravitreous injection instead of the classical dosage of 400microg.