What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment



Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a serious viral eye infection of the Retina (light-sensing nerve layer that lines the back of the eye). This is a kind of sight-threatening condition associated with AIDS- a serious disease of the immune system due to infection with the human immunodeficiency virus.

In the past, about a quarter of active AIDS patients developed Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. However, the occurrence of the disease is dropping dramatically, thanks to a potent combination of medicines used for the treatment of HIV/AIDS that help restore the function of the immune system. In recent years, these medicines have helped reduce the presence of CMV retinitis in late-stage AIDS by more than 80 %, as per a report.

CMV Retinitis Signs/Symptoms:

When Cytomegalovirus invades the retina, it starts to compromise the light-sensitive receptors that help enable us to see. This typically does not cause any kind of pain, but you may notice eye floaters or small specks and experience decreased visual acuity (blurry vision) or reduced peripheral vision.

Light flashes (spots of light that you notice in your field of vision) and sudden vision loss also can arise. CMV retinitis usually starts in one eye but often progresses to the other eye. Without treatment, the disease can cause a detached retina and blindness in just 2-6 months.

Patients with HIV/AIDS sometimes also experience changes to the retina and optic nerve without clear signs and symptoms of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

Causes of CMV Retinitis:

Cytomegalovirus: a very common virus that belongs to the herpes family is responsible for CMV retinitis. Approximately 80 % of adults harbor antibodies to CMV, which represents that they have been infected with the virus but their bodies have effectively fought it off.

For individuals with HIV/AIDS, the difference is that their immunocompromised or non-functioning immune system cannot stave off this virus. Other individuals with an immunocompromised, weakened immune system or suppressed immune system, such as all those undergoing chemo or a bone marrow transplant, also are at risk. The disease occurs much less frequently in this population than in the AIDS population.

Also, in older individuals with weaker immune systems, the Cytomegalovirus can spread from a shingles infection on the forehead or nose and infect the retina, causing Cytomegalovirus retinitis.

CMV Retinitis Treatment:

If someone with active HIV/AIDS and is experiencing visual symptoms, see a retina specialist promptly. An individual newly diagnosed with Cytomegalovirus retinitis can expect to visit the specialist every 2 to 4 weeks.

Medicines for CMV Retinitis: The anti-viral medicines commonly used for the treatment of CMV retinitis are foscarnet (Foscavir), ganciclovir (Cytovene), and cidofovir (Vistide). They are very effective in order to slow down the progression of the disease.

Like many medicines, these treatments can be responsible for causing unwanted and severe side effects. Until recently, all these three medicines were given intravenously, and ganciclovir and foscarnet sodium required an indwelling catheter placed in the chest for daily infusions.

The medicine Ganciclovir is now supplied as a pill and oral doses usually are recommended after 2 weeks of intravenous infusion. It also can be given via an intravitreal implant named Vitrasert (Bausch + Lomb).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Buy Trodelvy sacituzumab govitecan-hziy in India

  Trodelvy Overview: Trodelvy is widely prescribed by Oncologists for the treatment of patients with HR+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer, Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (mTNBC), and Metastatic Urothelial Cancer (mUC). It is considered a promising treatment option for those who are not ideal candidates for some conventional therapies. Developed by Immunomedics, Trodelvy 180 mg and Trodelvy 200 mg are two available commercial strengths. Worldwide, Trodelvy is promoted and facilitated by Gilead Sciences. Trodelvy is first approved on 22 April 2020. It is given by intravenous (IV) infusion by a health specialist. The medication received its (European Medicines Agency) EMA approval in October 2021. Trodelvy 180 mg and 200 mg injections are yet to be approved in India. The cost of Trodelvy in India usually depends on international factors. Buy Trodelvy from a Reliable Source: Many suppliers who are not authorized to handle or supply life-saving medicines such as Trodelvy found to b
Read more

Lenvatinib Medication Guide

Lenvatinib is recommended for treating patients with locally recurrent, progressive, metastatic, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAI-refractory DTC), together with everolimus for advanced renal cell carcinoma and for hepatocellular carcinoma.  Here are a few important points for patients before taking Lenvatinib:- Female patients who are able to become pregnant must use an effective method of birth control while on the treatment with lenvatinib and for at least 2 weeks after its last dose. Discuss with your doctor about the birth control methods you can use during this time. Lenvatinib is taken at the same time each and every day. If a patient misses any dose, and it cannot be consumed within 12 hours, then that dose must be skipped and the next dose should be consumed at the usual time of administration. The recommended dose is lenvatinib 24 mg (two lenvatinib 10 mg capsules and one lenvatinib 4 mg capsule) orally, taken once in a day, either with or wit
Read more

Difference Between Multiple Myeloma And Leukemia

Image
What is multiple myeloma:  This is also known as plasma cell myeloma or Kahler's disease. It is a cancer in plasma cells that typically produce antibodies. When there is only one tumor present it is called as plasmacytoma and when more than one then called as multiple myeloma. The main cause of myeloma is unknown but the major risk factors are obesity,  inheritance chemicals, radiation, etc. With the effect of cancer, there is an abnormality in plasma cells that produces abnormal antibodies that can cause kidney problems. At the initial stage, there is no sign and symptoms but with the advancement of time bone pain, bleeding, anemia and frequent infections are the common symptoms. Multiple myeloma is diagnosed with the help of blood or urine tests or bone marrow biopsy. And the medication of multiple myeloma includes: Chemotherapy- There are several drugs that are used in the treatment of multiple myeloma such as doxorubicin, etoposide, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, e
Read more