A controlled trial of ganciclovir to prevent cytomegalovirus disease after heart transplantation

Article Abstract:

Heart transplant patients who receive preventative treatment with the antiviral drug ganciclovir may have less risk of developing a cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection than those who do not. Of 149 heart transplant patients, 76 were treated with five milligrams per kilogram of body weight of intravenous ganciclovir every 12 hours during the first 14 days after their heart transplant. Seventy-three were treated with a placebo, an inactive substance. Patients were divided into two groups: those who were infected with CMV before transplantation, and those who received a heart from a donor infected with CMV. Of patients infected with CMV before transplantation, five of 56 patients treated with ganciclovir (9%) developed a CMV infection, compared to 46% of those receiving the placebo. Among 37 patients who were not positive for CMV infection, seven of 20 patients (35%) treated with ganciclovir developed a CMV infection, while 29% of those receiving the placebo did. Between day 15 and day 60 after transplantation, patients treated with ganciclovir had significantly fewer urine cultures show positive for CMV infection.

Heart, Heart transplantation

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Oral ganciclovir for the prevention of cytomegalovirus disease in persons with AIDS

Article Abstract:

Oral ganciclovir may be effective in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in AIDS patients. CMV retinitis is a common complication of AIDS, occurring in 25% to 40% of patients. Of 725 AIDS patients with blood tests positive for CMV, 486 took 1,000 milligrams of oral ganciclovir three times a day and 239 took a placebo. They were treated for an average of 240 to 269 days. At 12 months, 14% of those who took ganciclovir developed CMV disease compared to 26% of the placebo group. Twelve percent of those taking ganciclovir had developed CMV retinitis at one year, compared to 24% of the placebo group. At the start of the study, 41% of those assigned to ganciclovir tested positive for antibodies to CMV compared to 44% of those assigned to placebo. Two months later, only 10% of the ganciclovir group tested positive, compared to 43% of the placebo group. At one year, 21% of the ganciclovir group had died compared to 26% of the placebo group. More than half the patients in each group dropped out of the study.

Evaluation, Retinal diseases

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A quarter-century of antiviral therapy

Article Abstract:

Two 1995 studies showed the possibilities of treating viral infections with newly developed antiviral drugs alone and in combination with one another. One study found that lamivudine controls hepatitis B virus. More research is required to determine how to combat viruses and strengthen the immune system. Antiviral drugs have been most effective when the immune system has already partially controlled the infection. The challenge of treating HIV infection lies in the tendency of the virus to develop drug resistance. Various combinations and doses of antiviral drugs may work together to eliminate various strains of the virus that are resistant. The other 1995 study found that lamivudine and zidovudine in combination were more effective than either drug alone in reducing indicators of HIV infection. However, further research is required to determine if reduction in such indicators actually slow progression of HIV disease.

Editorial, Drug therapy, Virus diseases

Similar abstracts:

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