Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin therapy for CMV retinitis post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul;33(4):NP101-NP104. doi: 10.1177/11206721221112802. Epub 2022 Jul 11.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis complicated with ganciclovir-related myelosuppression, which was successfully managed with intravenous (IV) ganciclovir and CMV immunoglobulin (CMVIG) therapy.

Methods: Observational case report.

Results: A 51-year-old male with follicular type non-Hodgkin lymphoma post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) developed vision-threatening retinitis. polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the aqueous humour showed positive for CMV. Despite myelosuppression occurred during IV ganciclovir therapy, the retinitis resolved and intraocular CMV viral load significantly improved after CMVIG therapy.

Conclusion: Combined IV ganciclovir treatment and CMVIG therapy can significantly improve visual outcome and reduce intraocular CMV viral load in vision-threatening CMV retinitis.

Keywords: CMV retinitis; cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin; hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cytomegalovirus / genetics
  • Cytomegalovirus Retinitis* / diagnosis
  • Cytomegalovirus Retinitis* / drug therapy
  • Cytomegalovirus Retinitis* / etiology
  • Ganciclovir / adverse effects
  • Ganciclovir / therapeutic use
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • cytomegalovirus-specific hyperimmune globulin
  • Ganciclovir