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Long-term oral acyclovir therapy. Effect on recurrent infectious herpes simplex keratitis in patients with and

A L Simon1, D Pavan-Langston

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.

Ophthalmology
|September 1, 1996
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Long-term oral acyclovir effectively reduces herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) recurrences. This treatment lowers both the frequency and duration of infectious herpetic keratitis relapses, proving beneficial for patients.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) is a recurrent viral infection of the cornea.
  • Frequent recurrences can lead to vision loss and significant morbidity.
  • Prophylactic treatment strategies are crucial for managing chronic HSK.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness of long-term oral acyclovir in preventing recurrent herpes simplex keratitis (HSK).
  • To evaluate the impact of acyclovir on the rate and duration of HSK recurrences.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 13 patients with a history of recurrent HSK.
  • Patients were monitored before, during, and after long-term systemic acyclovir therapy.
  • Recurrence data and treatment parameters were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Oral acyclovir significantly reduced the monthly recurrence rate of HSK (from 0.15 to 0.03).
  • The average duration of HSK relapses decreased from 12.6 to 7.8 days during treatment.
  • Lower acyclovir doses (≤800 mg/day), recent intraocular surgery, and therapy discontinuation were associated with recurrences.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term oral acyclovir demonstrates efficacy in preventing epithelial herpes simplex virus infections.
  • Therapeutic acyclovir doses effectively reduce both the incidence and duration of herpetic keratitis recurrences.
  • Further investigation via a multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial is recommended.

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