Long-Term Topical Ganciclovir and Corticosteroids Preserve Corneal Endothelial Function in Cytomegalovirus Corneal Endotheliitis

PURPOSE:To report the long-term outcomes of topical ganciclovir (GCV) and corticosteroids as a maintenance therapy for cytomegalovirus (CMV) corneal endotheliitis. METHODS:This retrospective study included 10 eyes of 9 patients diagnosed with CMV corneal endotheliitis with a minimum 1-year follow-up at a tertiary referral hospital between 2008 and 2014. CMV corneal endotheliitis was defined by corneal edema associated with typical keratic precipitates (KPs) and a positive CMV polymerase chain reaction from aqueous humor taps. Patients receiving long-term topical 0.5% GCV and topical corticosteroids without discontinuation were included. The final corneal condition and endothelial cell density (ECD) were reported. RESULTS:The mean age was 45.6 ± 11.7 years. The mean follow-up duration was 48 ± 25 months. All patients exhibited typical coin-shaped and/or linear KPs. A significant resolution of corneal edema and decreased KPs were achieved within 1 month in all patients after initiating topical 0.5% GCV every 2 hours and topical corticosteroids twice a day. The dose frequency was gradually tapered to GCV 4 times and corticosteroids once or twice a day as a maintenance therapy. All 10 eyes had a clear graft or corneas at the end of this study. The mean ECD was 1630 ± 699 cells per millimeter square before treatment and 1776 ± 834 cells per millimeter square at the end of the study period. CONCLUSIONS:Topical 0.5% GCV and corticosteroids as a maintenance regimen without interruption effectively preserved long-term corneal endothelial function.