[Ocular complications after treatment with intravenous cidofovir for cytomegalovirus retinitis]

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the ocular changes observed in six patients treated with intravenous cidofovir for cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Methods: We have studied six patients (12 eyes) treated with intravenous cidofovir. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed before and after each dose during the follow-up period, paying special attention to intraocular pressure changes.

Results: Three cases of non-granulomatous anterior uveitis with good response to conventional treatment were detected. The intraocular pressure decreased after the administration of the two first doses of the drug (p<0.01), and was followed by stabilization of the intraocular pressure with the next doses. In two of the eyes (16.7%), the decrease in the intraocular pressure was more than 50% in comparison to the measurements at the onset of treatment. In three eyes (18.7%), we detected acute anterior uveitis, which responded well to conventional treatment.

Conclusions: The intravenous administration of cidofovir for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis is associated with important ocular changes that must be carefully observed in the follow-up of these patients.