Primary prophylaxis All HIV infected children with severe immunosuppression (CD 4 count < 50 cells/cumm) may be considered for primary prophylaxis against CMV. However it is not routinely recommended.
Secondary prophylaxis Life-long maintenance therapy following treatment for CMV disease is recommended. Maintenance therapy may be discontinued in patients on HAART who have an increase in CD 4 count to > 100-150 cells/cumm after 6 months of therapy. All patients who have had maintenance therapy discontinued should undergo 6 monthly ophthalmologic evaluation for evidence of chorioretinitis
Drugs that can be used
Drug |
Dosage |
Adverse Effects |
Remarks |
Oral ganciclovir |
30 mg/kg PO TID |
Neutropenia, Myelosuppression, Renal toxicity, CNS effects, GI dysfunction, thrombophlebitis and elevated liver enzymes |
Drug of choice |
Oral valganciclovir |
250 mg/m2/day PO OD |
Myelosuppression |
Data in children is lacking |
|