Combination therapy with ZDV + DDI versus ZDV + DDC in patients with progression of HIV-infection under treatment with ZDV
Article Abstract:
Combination drug therapy with zidovudine (ZDV) and didanosine (ddI) may reduce the progression and severity of HIV infection compared to ZDV and dideoxycytidine (ddC). Didanosine and ddC are often used in addition to ZDV especially if the patient becomes resistant to ZDV. Researchers followed 65 HIV-infected patients whose disease was progressing despite ZDV treatment. Thirty-three began taking ZDV and ddC and 32 began taking ZDV and didanosine. During the study, CD4 counts increased significantly in those taking ZDV and didanosine, especially in those with CD4 counts greater than 100. There appeared to be a reduction in the frequency of AIDS-defining diseases in those taking ZDV and didanosine, but the difference was not statistically significant in this small study. Patients taking ZDV and didanosine experienced more side effects, however, and 59% stopped taking the drugs, compared to 30% of those taking ZDV and ddC.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1996
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Efficacy, safety, and tolerance of low-dose, long-term interferon-alpha(2b) and zidovudine in early-stage AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma
Article Abstract:
Low doses of interferon-alpha-2b may be a safe and effective treatment along with zidovudine for AIDS patients with Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), even when given for an extended period. Researchers treated 17 homosexual men with AIDS and KS with low doses of interferon-alpha-2b and zidovudine for up to 160 weeks. Interferon-alpha-2b, when given in low doses, was well tolerated by patients and effective in reducing KS tumors and achieving remission from KS. Remission lasted for up to 24 months. KS resolved in three patients, and was partly treated in eight patients. These patients had CD4 T cell counts of more than 250 at the start of the study. High doses of interferon-alpha-2b effectively treat KS but cause unwanted side effects.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1995
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Induction of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor by acute febrile infection but not by neutropenia in HIV-seropositive individuals
Article Abstract:
Low levels of white blood cells called neutrophils in HIV patients may indicate abnormal regulation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). G-CSF normally stimulates the production of neutrophils and other blood cells. G-CSF levels were similar in a group of HIV patients with and without low neutrophil counts and a group of healthy volunteers. Normally, low neutrophil counts would stimulate G-CSF production. G-CSF counts increased in HIV patients who had pneumonia, indicating that G-CSF production in these patients responded to infection but not to low neutrophil counts.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1997
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