Cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS: pathophysiology and nursing care

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a particular threat to the patient with AIDS. Retinitis that may progress to blindness is one of the most distressing manifestations of CMV. DHPG (Ganciclovir) has been used with some success in the treatment of CMV retinitis. This article discusses the pathophysiology of CMV in patients with AIDS, current protocols for DHPG therapy, problems experienced by the patient with CMV retinitis, and nursing actions in response to these problems.