Retrospective study of CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS

Abstract

Objective. To study the characteristics of clinical presentations and treatment outcome of patients with HIV infection who developed cytomegalovirus(CMV) retinitis. Methods. A retrospective study for the period 1986-97 at the regional Unit of Infectious Diseases, Newcastle General Hospital; a teaching hospital in the north-east of England. Twenty-seven patients with advanced HIV disease and clinically confirmed CMV retinitis were studied. The mean age was 40.8 years, standard deviation ±6.3 years. The male: female ratio was 25:2. Twenty-six of the patients were white Caucasians and one was of Afro-Caribbean origin. Results. The median time between the first AIDS-defining diagnosis and development of CMV retinitis was 1.5 years and the CD4+ cell count at the time of diagnosis of CMV retinitis was 7/mm3. After 14 months of treatment. 80% of patients on mono antiretroviral therapy had impairment of sight (visual acuity 3/60) versus 30% for those on triple antiretroviral therapy. In the same period, the survival rate was 18 versus 70% for mono versus triple antiretroviral therapy, respectively. Conclusion. The outcome for patients with CMV retinitis was significantly better for those who were on triple than for those on mono antiretroviral therapy.