ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
HIV infection
;
Cytomegalovirus encephalitis
;
Treatment
;
Foscarnet
;
Ganciclovir
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes life-threatening disseminated infections and in particular vision-threatening infections of the retina in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Ganciclovir currently represents the most frequently used therapy for CMV retinitis. However, cases of ganciclovir-resistant CMV strains have been described, in which foscarnet seems to be an effective alternative. Both drugs have serious toxicities, and relapses frequently occur during maintenance therapy. In a patient with CMV encephalitis, we administered a 3-week combination ganciclovir/foscarnet induction therapy (ganciclovir 5 mg/kg every 12 h; foscarnet 60 mg/kg every 8 h), followed by an alternating maintenance administration of both drugs every other day (ganciclovir 5 mg/kg, foscarnet 120 mg/kg) to reduce toxicity and resistance. This regimen was tolerated well and seemed to be more effective than ganciclovir alone in a patient with CMV encephalitis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00235533
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