Replacing ganciclovir implants.

Abstract

The authors report their surgical experience replacing empty ganciclovir implants in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. A chart review of all patients receiving two or more ganciclovir implants was performed. Nine eyes in eight patients received two or more implants. The average time before a second implant was needed was 6 months. Cytomegalovirus retinitis was controlled in all patients except one. Three patients required intermittent intravenous exogenous anti-CMV therapy, one for persistent CMV retinitis and two for systemic CMV. Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was maintained in five of eight patients, despite a longstanding history of CMV retinitis. In this small series, most patients retained good vision after ganciclovir implant replacement.