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Ganciclovir gel an emerging treatment option for cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis
Br J Ophthalmol. 2010;94:1648-1652.
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A topical antiviral gel yielded lower recurrence rates than other modalities of the drug in the treatment of cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis, according to a study.
In the retrospective, nonrandomized case review, 35 eyes of 70 patients identified with cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis were treated with Zirgan (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15%, Bausch + Lomb) in either systemic, topical, intravitreal injection or intravitreal implant form.
Of 47 treatment episodes, 36 (76.6%) resulted in a response. However, researchers observed 27 (75%) episodes of recurrence after treatment ended.
Ganciclovir gel elicited only moderate response rates compared to systemic, intravitreal injection and intravitreal implant ganciclovir. However, lower recurrence rates were associated with ganciclovir gel than with the other modalities.
Until more data are available, the authors suggested offering ganciclovir gel as the first treatment option, followed by at least a 3-month course of oral valganciclovir if unresponsive.
In addition, a higher twice-weekly dosage of intravitreal ganciclovir can help determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for the ganciclovir implant, the authors said.