Design of a randomized controlled trial of foscarnet in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Abstract

In a controlled trial of foscarnet in the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), patients with non-immediately sight-threatening lesions were randomized to received immediate treatment with foscarnet or foscarnet progression. Foscarnet induction therapy was administered at a dosage of 60 mg/kg 3 times/day via 1-hour intravenous infusion for 21 days. Foscarnet maintenance therapy was administered at a dosage of 90 mg/kg/day via 2-hour infusion. Foscarnet was well tolerated and effective in delaying progression of CMV retinitis in these patients. Final analysis of data from this study and data from other studies will help to determine what role foscarnet will have in the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS.