Replacing ganciclovir implants.
OBJECTIVE
The authors report their surgical experience replacing empty ganciclovir implants in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.


METHODS
A chart review of all patients receiving two or more ganciclovir implants was performed.


RESULTS
Nine eyes in eight patients received two or more implants. The average time before a second implant was needed was 6 months. Cytomegalovirus retinitis was controlled in all patients except one. Three patients required intermittent intravenous exogenous anti-CMV therapy, one for persistent CMV retinitis and two for systemic CMV. Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was maintained in five of eight patients, despite a longstanding history of CMV retinitis.


CONCLUSIONS
In this small series, most patients retained good vision after ganciclovir implant replacement.
Morley
M G
MG
Center for Eye Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
Duker
J S
JS
Ashton
P
P
Robinson
M R
MR
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017726:Cytomegalovirus Retinitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004343:Drug Implants; D015774:Ganciclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D014792:Visual Acuity
D004343:Drug Implants; D015774:Ganciclovir