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Intravenous acyclovir for herpesvirus in immunocompromised patients
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Intravenous acyclovir effectively treated severe herpesvirus infections in immunocompromised patients, including herpes simplex, varicella, and zoster. The treatment showed beneficial effects with minimal side effects, supporting its use in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Herpesvirus infections pose significant risks to immunocompromised individuals.
- Conventional treatments may have limitations in efficacy or safety for severe cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) acyclovir for severe herpesvirus infections in immunocompromised patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 18 immunocompromised patients with 25 episodes of severe herpesvirus infections (herpes simplex, varicella, zoster, cytomegalovirus) were treated with IV acyclovir.
- Clinical outcomes and adverse events were monitored.
Main Results:
- A beneficial effect of acyclovir was observed in 18 episodes, with probable benefit in 5 episodes.
- No patient deaths were attributed to the herpesvirus infections.
- No serious side effects were definitively linked to acyclovir administration.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous acyclovir demonstrates significant efficacy and a favorable safety profile for treating severe herpesvirus infections in immunocompromised patients.
- These findings support the established utility of IV acyclovir in managing these serious viral infections.