[Experiences with acyclovir in herpes virus infections]

46 patients suffering from various malignancies (17 non Hodgkin lymphomas, 12 Hodgkin's diseases, 11 acute leukaemias, 4 myelomas, 2 carcinomas), 6 patients with haematological disorders such as ITP, SAA, myeloproliferative disease, LAS and 3 patients without preexisting disease were treated with acyclovir for herpes virus infection diagnosed by clinical means. All but 7 patients had been given intensive treatment with various cytostatic agents and/or irradiation. Most patients were treated with 1500 mg acyclovir daily for 5 to 13 days. Dosage was adjusted according to renal function and clinical response in the remaining 10 cases. 11 patients received intravenous immunoglobulins in addition. Side effects were negligible (local irritation, minimal rise in serum creatinine levels in 5 patients). All patients responded to treatment; 6 patients complained of severe neuralgia lasting for more than one month; 5 patients relapsed.