Low frequency maintenance ganciclovir for cytomegalovirus retinitis

Abstract
45 patients on maintenance ganciclovir for treated cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis were reviewed retrospectively. Treatment was given at 30 mg/kg/week in 3 divided doses: Monday, Wednesday, Friday. The median time to clinical relapse was 5.4 months. This is similar to that reported with higher frequency maintenance regimens. The high degree of immunodeficiency (median CD4 count 16 cells/μl) and poor prognosis (median survival 8.2 months) associated with CMV retinitis were confirmed.