High-dose (2000-microgram) intravitreous ganciclovir in the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis.

OBJECTIVE

The authors prospectively studied visual outcome, relapse, complications, and survival of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cytomegalovirus (CMV) treated with high-dose intravitreous ganciclovir (2 mg/0.1 ml) injections. The outcomes were compared with those of patients treated with standard doses of intravenous ganciclovir in the same institution. The histopathologic and electrophysiologic effects of high-dose intravitreous ganciclovir injections in rabbits also were studied.

DESIGN

A nonrandomized case series.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 42 patients (74 eyes) were treated with intravitreous injections and 18 patients (27 eyes) were treated with intravenous ganciclovir. Five eyes of three New Zealand white rabbits were injected with ganciclovir, and the sixth eye was a control specimen.

INTERVENTION: Patients treated with intravitreous injections received twice-weekly doses of 2 mg/0.1 ml ganciclovir for 3 weeks, then weekly injections. Patients treated with intravenous ganciclovir received standard doses. Patients were monitored with regular examinations. Rabbit eyes were given intravitreous injections of 1 mg/0.1 ml of ganciclovir weekly for 4 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessments of vision, retinal inflammation, and survival were made. Electroretinograms were performed on the rabbit eyes, and they were processed for light and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

In the intravitreous group, visual acuity (VA) was stable in 64 of 74 eyes, 5 improved, and 5 deteriorated. Sixty-three (85%) of 74 eyes had final VA of 20/20 to 20/40. Relapse occurred in five eyes (7%; median time, 42 weeks). There were three cases of endophthalmitis. Median survival after diagnosis of CMV retinitis was 36 weeks. In the intravenous group, VA was stable in 18 eyes, 0 improved, and 9 deteriorated. Sixteen (59%) of 27 eyes had final VA of 20/20 to 20/40. Relapse occurred in 15 eyes (56%) at a median time of 21 weeks. Median survival was 21 weeks. The rabbit studies showed no evidence of toxicity.

CONCLUSION

High-dose intravitreous ganciclovir effectively suppressed CMV retinitis, preserved vision, and prevented relapse without deterioration in survival.