Cytomegalovirus retinitis at Groote Schuur Hospital : clinical management and outcomes
Objectives 1. To review the clinical presentation, management and outcomes of patients who were diagnosed and treated for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis at Groote Schuur Hospital over a 10 year period 2. To review and compare the treatment protocols of thirteen public hospital centres in South Africa that treat patients for CMV retinitis Design & method This is a retrospective cohort study. A record review of 141 eyes in 91 patients diagnosed with and treated for CMV retinitis between 2003 and 2013 was performed. Additionally, a standard questionnaire was sent to thirteen public hospitals in South Africa that treat patients for CMV retinitis to determine current treatment protocols. At Groote Schuur Hospital, all cases of suspected CMV retinitis undergo a vitreous biopsy for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation. Treatment consists of weekly intravitreal ganciclovir injections until clinical resolution has taken place. Patients not on highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) are referred for initiation of treatment. Ganciclovir treatment is continued until immune reconstitution has taken place.
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