[Regression of cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS patients without systemic maintenance anti-cytomegalovirus therapy treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy].

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the course of CMV retinitis after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and discontinuation of systemic anti-CMV maintenance therapy.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Case reports are presented for two AIDS patients (2 eyes, ages 34, 43, male) with CMV retinitis. The CD4 count at the time of CMV retinitis was 20/microliter (patient 1) and 35/microliter (patient 2). Under HAART the CD4 count rose up to 202/microliter (patient 1) and 350/microliter (patient 2); the viral load was under detection limit in both patients. At that time systemic maintenance therapy was discontinued in both patients.

RESULTS

There was no progression of retinitis during the observation period of 21 months (patient 1) and 24 months (patient 2).

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients with immune recovery under HAART it is possible to discontinue systemic anti-CMV maintenance therapy.