DR. TUDYMOL DEVASIA

DR.SRIRAM SIMAKURTHY, DR.MADHU KUMAR R., DR. ASHOK KANAKAMEDALA

Abstract

CMV retinitis is most common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals progressing to blindness in absence of early intervention. This is non-randomized, retrospective, interventional series in which a consecutive cohort of 7 eyes of 5 patients with AIDS & diagnosed as CMV retinitis received intravitreal injection of ganciclovir (2mg/ 0.1ml) on biweekly basis for 2 weeks as induction regimen followed by oral Valganciclovir and HAART therapy. A total of 40 injections (7 eyes) were given with good resolution of CMV retinitis and stabilization. There was no case of endophthalmitis. On follow up, 1 patient developed reactivation and retinal detachment due to poor compliance with oral medication. Intravitreal route has advantage of being cost effective, with minimal systemic side effects, rapid & longer acting (weekly injection on maintenance); thus increasing patient compliance. Thus, there is need to explore intravitreal therapy as means of sustainable maintenance regimen.