valacyclovir and Cytomegalovirus-Retinitis

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN), also known as Kirisawa-type uveitis, is an uncommon condition caused by infection of the retina by one of the herpes family of viruses, most typically varicella zoster virus or herpes simplex virus and less commonly cytomegalovirus. Clinical diagnosis can be challenging and is often aided by PCR-based analysis of ocular fluids. Treatment typically involves extended use of one or more antiviral agents. Long term retinal detachment risk is high. We review the literature on ARN and present an approach to the diagnosis and management of this serious condition.

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Cytomegalovirus Retinitis; Eye Infections, Viral; Famciclovir; Fluorescein Angiography; Ganciclovir; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Laser Coagulation; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Valacyclovir; Valganciclovir; Valine

More than 90% of patients with HIV have been infected at some time with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and up to 40% of those with advanced HIV will develop CMV disease. The incidence of CMV disease is increasing but the prognosis for the patient remains poor.. It is therefore important to monitor patients with low CD4+ counts in order to identify those most at risk of developing CMV disease and to treat them before the disease becomes established. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is probably the most effective and sensitive method of detecting CMV and a positive result is predictive for development of CMV disease; more than 80% of patients with CMV retinitis are CMV PCR-positive at the time of diagnosis. PCR can also detect the presence of CMV up to 14 months before the development of retinitis.. In patients with detectable CMV, but no evidence of active infection, pre-emptive treatment with ganciclovir or valaciclovir has been shown to reduce the risk of developing retinitis in these high-risk patients. Such oral therapy, which is generally better tolerated than intravenous therapy and results in a better quality of life for the patient, is likely to be more effective at this stage whilst viral loads are low.. CMV PCR can be used to prospectively monitor patients in order to identify those most at risk of developing CMV retinitis. If CMV infection is diagnosed early, while viral loads are still low, pre-emptive oral therapy can be instituted which will reduce the chances of developing retinitis in those patients most at risk.

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Antiviral Agents; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Cytomegalovirus Retinitis; Ganciclovir; Humans; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Risk Factors; Valacyclovir; Valine

Questions are being raised about the efficacy of oral ganciclovir (Cytovene) in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV), and the toxicity of valaciclovir, a derivative of acyclovir, when administered in high doses. Two government studies (Syntex 1654 and CPCRA 023) of oral ganciclovir have resulted in conflicting results. The studies are under investigation in an attempt to resolve the differences. CPCRA has led to concerns about Cytovene, including its potential for resistance and its relatively high cost. Another study shows two grams of valaciclovir, four times per day, produces the same blood levels as intravenous acyclovir. However, both are toxic levels and neither drug is viewed as particularly effective.

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Antiviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Cytomegalovirus Retinitis; Ganciclovir; Humans; Placebos; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Valacyclovir; Valine

To explore the possibility of oral antiviral therapy in lieu of intravenous acyclovir for treating acute retinal necrosis (ARN), a necrotizing retinopathy caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2 or by varicella zoster virus.. Retrospective, interventional, small case series.. Four patients (6 eyes).. Patients were treated with oral antiviral therapy. Medications included valacyclovir (1 g 3 times daily), oral famciclovir (500 mg 3 times daily), and topical and oral corticosteroids.. Improvement of symptoms, including photophobia, blurred vision, ocular discomfort, and floaters; increase in visual acuity; and resolution of vitreitis, retinitis, and retinal vasculitis, where present.. Symptoms and visual acuity improved within 2 weeks to 1 month in 3 of 4 patients (75%) treated with oral antiviral medication. One patient required surgical treatment for asymptomatic retinal detachment after 3 weeks of treatment; retinal detachment in the fellow eye was repaired 2 months later. Duration of antiviral therapy ranged from 5 weeks to 3 months.. For 4 patients with relatively indolent cases of ARN, oral antiviral therapy alone was effective in eliminating signs and symptoms of the disease. In particular, oral valacyclovir and famciclovir appeared to be effective, although further study is necessary to determine whether these drugs are as effective as intravenous acyclovir for initial treatment of ARN.

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Antiviral Agents; Cytomegalovirus Retinitis; Drug Therapy, Combination; Famciclovir; Female; Glucocorticoids; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Retrospective Studies; Valacyclovir; Valine; Visual Acuity; Vitreous Body

In persons with AIDS (PWAs), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can cause a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The most common clinical manifestations associated with CMV infection in PWAs and the most current approaches to treatment and prevention of CMV disease are reviewed. Manifestations discussed include those involving ocular disease, and diseases of the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Prophylactic treatment for CMV disease includes the use of oral ganciclovir and valaciclovir. Concluding comments address the development of antiviral resistance by CMV. Tables include listings of potential strategies for use of oral ganciclovir prophylaxis in PWAs, and mechanisms by which CMV strains become resistant to ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Central Nervous System Diseases; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Cytomegalovirus Retinitis; Digestive System Diseases; Foscarnet; Ganciclovir; Humans; Valacyclovir; Valine