Acyclovir in the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a preliminary report.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we evaluate the effect of acyclovir in the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), in addition to CO2 surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We include 12 patients who had aggressive RRP and required at least three prior endoscopic surgeries in this study. Acyclovir treatment started the day after the surgery. During the planned treatment period of 6 months, patients older than 5 years were asked to take the daily dose of 800 mg, and those younger than 5 years were asked to take 400 mg. RESULTS: Nine of 12 patients were disease free during the follow-up periods, which ranged from 14 to 25 months with a mean of 18 months. Only 3 patients who used the drug inadequately required reoperation. CONCLUSION: Because of the specific viral origin of RRP, we hope that addition of acyclovir to surgery will preclude or at least decrease the number of recurrences in this potentially fatal disease.