RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Azithromycin for ocular toxoplasmosis
JF British Journal of Ophthalmology
JO Br J Ophthalmol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
SP 1306
OP 1308
DO 10.1136/bjo.82.11.1306
VO 82
IS 11
A1 Rothova, Aniki
A1 Bosch-Driessen, Lotje E H
A1 van Loon, Ninette H
A1 Treffers, W Frits
YR 1998
UL http://bjo.bmj.com/content/82/11/1306.abstract
AB AIMS To investigate the efficacy of azithromycin in patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. METHODS 11 immunocompetent patients with ocular toxoplasmosis were treated with azithromycin (500 mg the first day, followed by 250 mg/day for 5 weeks). Ocular and systemic examinations were performed during active retinitis episodes and all patients were followed for at least 1 year. RESULTS The intraocular inflammation disappeared within 4 weeks in seven patients, including two cases with progressive retinitis despite previous treatment with pyrimethamine, sulphadiazine, and folinic acid. Recurrence of retinitis occurred in three patients (27%) within the first year of follow up. No systemic side effects of azithromycin were encountered. CONCLUSION These results indicate that although azithromycin cannot prevent recurrent disease it may be an effective alternative for patients with ocular toxoplasmosis who cannot tolerate standard therapies.