CMV Information: Print, Online, Phone, Video

Persons with a CD4 count of under 100 (or others regardless of CD4 count who have had a previous opportunistic infection) are at risk for CMV and should discuss prevention with their doctor. CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection usually first affects the retina of one eye; it can also occur in other organs, including the colon, esophagus, or central nervous system. A majority of all adults in the U.S. are infected with CMV, but the virus seldom causes illness except in persons with a severe immune deficiency. If illness occurs, treatment must be started immediately to prevent permanent vision loss or other serious complications. There are now a number of treatment options for CMV, plus approved preventive treatment for persons at high risk.

"Partnership in Vision" CMV Retinitis Report

Partnership in Vision is "a collaboration dedicated to providing information and education to enhance the quality of life of people affected by CMV retinitis and other visual complications of AIDS." It is chaired by Clyde Crumpacker, M.D., of Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Hospital, and funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Partnership in Vision, started only a month ago, has published CMV Retinitis Report, an authoritative 9-page overview of CMV treatment and prevention information presented at the XI International Conference on AIDS, July 1996 in Vancouver. To obtain a copy without charge, call 800/981-9402.

"CMV Prophylaxis and Intraocular Therapy" New CME Course Online

"CMV Prophylaxis and Intraocular Therapy," a new one-hour continuing medical education course available on the World Wide Web, focuses on newly approved uses of ganciclovir -- both orally for prevention of CMV, and also as an eye implant for treatment. Development of this training material was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Roche Laboratories.

Anyone can take the course; continuing education credit is available for physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. More information, and the course itself, can be found at http://www.immunet.org. User support is available from Immunet at 213-656-0699, or by email at info@immunet.org

(3) Disclosure: Immunet is also hosting the two AIDS TREATMENT NEWS Web sites: our archival back-issue site at http://www.aids.org/atn/, and our directory of AIDS sites on the World Wide Web, http://www.aidsnews.org.

CMV Prevention, Treatment Information English/Spanish Hotline

The National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) has extended its CMV information hotline.

NAPWA started its hotline service in 1996, and in the first six months answered questions from more than 1,000 persons living with HIV and healthcare professionals. The hotline is funded in part by an educational grant from Hoffmann-La Roche, and the recorded message refers callers to Roche for additional information, but not to competing pharmaceutical companies which make other treatments. (Referrals to Chiron and Gilead Sciences are made when necessary by the hotline staff.)

To reach the hotline, call 800/838-9990. Trained staff persons are available to answer questions in English and Spanish between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern time; free literature can also be requested. In addition, a short recorded message about CMV, in English and in Spanish, is available 24 hours a day.

Cidofovir: Information on New CMV Treatment

Cidofovir for injection (Vistide(R)) is a new drug approved for marketing by the FDA for CMV treatment on June 26, 1996. Its main advantage for patients is that it is infused only once every two weeks (after two infusions one week apart for induction treatment), avoiding the need for an implanted catheter. Its major danger is kidney toxicity, which can be minimized by use of another drug (probenecid), plus intravenous hydration, on the day of each infusion. The wholesale price of cidofovir is over $1000 per month; a patient assistance program is available. [Note: AIDS TREATMENT NEWS reported as far back as 1989 on the early development of this drug, which was then named HPMPC.]

Cidofovir is being marketed by its developer, Gilead Sciences, Inc. within the United States, and by a marketing collaboration of Gilead with Pharmacia & Upjohn in other countries. Cidofovir is currently being reviewed by the European Community's Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products.

For more information about cidofovir patient selection, proper administration, and patient monitoring, or about reimbursement assistance, physicians and patients within the United States can call 800/GILEAD-5.

CMV Screening Videotapes Available

* Since October 1995 Hoffmann-La Roche has made available a package of materials, including a videotape "Recognizing CMV Retinitis," and printed material which includes an Amsler grid for detecting early symptoms of vision loss. Persons at risk for CMV retinitis can use these for self-screening between visits to their ophthalmologist. To request this free information, call 800/624-CHECK (24 hour voicemail).

* David M. Bachman, M.D., and ophthalmologist in Washington D.C., has produced a video, "Visual Field Testing to Detect CMV Retinitis," as an independent project not funded by any pharmaceutical company. He requests a $15 donation to help cover costs if one can afford it, but will send the tape to anyone who needs it regardless of ability to pay. To order this tape, write to David M. Bachman, M.D., Suite B-150, 1133 20th St. NW, Washington DC 20036.

Note: These tapes teach somewhat different approaches. Persons at risk for CMV might want to look at both.