The Predictive Value of Interleukin-8 in the Development of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in HIV-Negative Patients

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of interleukin (IL)-8 in the development and management of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in HIV-negative patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective case series from January 2014 to May 2018 was conducted. Forty patients (40 eyes) received intravitreal injection of ganciclovir (IVG). The aqueous levels of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA and IL-8 in each follow-up visit were tested. The initial and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the course of treatment, the recurrence rate, and the occurrence of complications were recorded and analyzed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The aqueous value of IL-8 was significantly correlated with the aqueous level of the CMV DNA during treatment but was not associated with the BCVA or the number of IVG. No recurrence occurred in the condition in which a low aqueous IL-8 level was set as the endpoint of the treatment. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> In HIV-negative patients with CMVR, IL-8 was closely associated with CMV DNA concentration in the aqueous humor. The real-time aqueous level of IL-8 could be used as one of the evidences of disease recovery.