Foscarnet therapy for ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS

Article Abstract:

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the viral agent that causes AIDS. This virus destroys the immune system (the body's natural defense system for fighting infection) and sharply diminishes the abilities of HIV-infected patients to fight infection. Consequently, these patients are more susceptible to other types of infections. Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) frequently occurs in patients with AIDS, and it is the most common cause of blindness in these patients. CMV causes inflammation inside of the eye (retinitis), damaging the portion of the eye that is sensitive to light (the retina). Ganciclovir is the drug that is used to treat retinitis in AIDS patients. However, some types of CMV are resistant to (not killed by) this drug. The authors describe the cases of two AIDS patients with retinitis who did not respond to treatment with ganciclovir. Both patients were being treated with zidovudine (AZT) for AIDS. They developed CMV retinitis one year and two years, respectively, after AIDS was diagnosed. They were treated with ganciclovir, but the retinitis continued to become worse in both cases. When the patients were treated with foscarnet (another antiviral drug), retinitis stabilized. However, 12 and 25 weeks, respectively, after treatment with foscarnet, the retinitis started to worsen. These findings suggest that foscarnet may be beneficial in treating AIDS patients with CMV retinitis that does not respond to treatment with ganciclovir. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Infection, Causes of, Blindness, Cytomegalovirus infections, Retina, Ganciclovir, Foscarnet

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The use of corticosteroids in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

Article Abstract:

Pneumonia is a common cause of death among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Early detection and treatment of pneumonia in these AIDS patients has improved the fatality rate. Corticosteroid treatment, when started early and used in combination with antimicrobial agents, slows the deterioration of pulmonary function in AIDS patients with pneumonia. However, if steroid therapy is initiated after pulmonary deterioration has begun, then there is no clinical benefit. In May 1990, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases sponsored an international panel for the development of corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of pneumocystis pneumonia in AIDS patients. The panel concluded that corticosteroid therapy should be used in AIDS patients at risk for respiratory failure. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Corticosteroids, Adrenocortical hormones, AIDS patients, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Pneumonia

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