Treatment of cytomegalovirus pneumonitis with foscarnet (trisodium phosphonoformate) in patients with AIDS.

Foscarnet was administered to eight AIDS patients for suspected cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis as a continuous intravenous infusion for a minimum of 8 days. All the patients improved, three showing complete resolution of symptoms. Evidence of CMV infection from bronchoalveolar lavage samples was lacking in two patients. Adverse drug experiences consisted of thrombophlebitis, transient decreases in haemoglobin concentration, and reversible rises in serum creatinine levels.