Regression of cytomegalovirus retinitis associated with protease-inhibitor treatment in patients with AIDS.

OBJECTIVE

To report the observation that anti-retroviral therapy that includes a protease inhibitor can induce the regression of cytomegalovirus retinitis without requiring specific anticytomegalovirus drug therapy.

METHODS

We examined the fundi of four patients with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who were placed on highly active antiretroviral therapy consisting of two nucleoside analogs and a protease inhibitor. The combined medications resulted in increased CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts and decreased load of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). A prospective evaluation of the effect of these medications on an active cytomegalovirus retinitis lesion was conducted in one patient. Retinal lesions were documented with fundus photography.

RESULTS

None of these patients received specific anticytomegalovirus medications. The average baseline CD4+ T-lymphocyte count was 33 cells per microliter (range, 4 to 88 cells per microliter) and increased an average of 118.5 cells per microliter (range, 66 to 185 cells per microliter). Average baseline plasma HIV-1 viral loads (HIV-1-RNA copies per ml) decreased 1.46 log units (range, 0.65 to 2.93 log units). In one patient, posterior progression (border advancement toward the posterior pole) of a cytomegalovirus retinitis lesion decelerated over time and stopped. Three other patients on initial examination had areas of retinal scarring consistent with healed cytomegalovirus retinitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of an HIV-1 protease inhibitor in the treatment of AIDS may lead to complete regression of cytomegalovirus retinitis without specific anticytomegalovirus medications. This effect may be related to reduced HIV-1 loads, a possible direct drug effect, an increase in CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, or other associated changes in immune status.