Staszewski S, Odewald J, Gottstein A, Rehmet S, Helm EB, Stille W; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 407 (abstract no. W.B.P.334).
Universitatsklinik Frankfurt, Zentrum der Inneren Medizin, Infektions-Ambulanz. FRG
In a dosage from 1000 - 1200 mg/d. Zidovudine (AZT), in spite of its life prolonging effect, causes myelotoxic side effects. By an intermittent therapy scheme with a drug-free regeneration period, these side effects on hematopoesis might be avoided. We therefore report on 16 patients (7 AIDS, 9 ARC) with an intermittent AZT regimen. Therapy scheme consists of application intervals (AI) of 4 wks (1000 - 1250 mg/d), followed by a 4 weeks' break. At present, 16 patients have finished 2 AIs, and of these, 10 pts. have finished 3 AIs. Total observation time is 176 ds (median); min. 120, max 254 ds. Initial symptoms (nausea, headaches) mainly occurred during 1st AI and in only 2 cases also at early 2nd AI. Mean body weight increased greater than 10% of initial value (from median 59 to 67 kg). Also the patients' physical and mental abilities increased significantly. CD4+ cell count increased by 37% (median) after 1st AI, by 7% after 2nd AI. During 3rd AI, it went down to initial value. Hb and leukocytes were normal; anemia or leukopenia was not found. MCV was only slightly increased. Up to now, there have been no opportunistic infections nor death cases. CONCLUSION: Intermittent AZT regimen, as continuous therapy, led to an increase in patients' well-being, and to transient increase in CD4+ cell count. However, the lack of any myelotoxic side effects was remarkable.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- AIDS-Related Complex
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Anemia
- CD4 Lymphocyte Count
- Humans
- Leukopenia
- Zidovudine
- adverse effects
- surgery
- therapy
Other ID:
UI: 102177967
From Meeting Abstracts