Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-related thrombocytopenia with zidovudine.

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related thrombocytopenia has been well described and requires therapy in about one half of the patients. Conventional modes of therapy with prednisone, danazol, immunoglobulin, and/or splenectomy have not been uniformly successful. We have administered zidovudine to three patients with HIV-related thrombocytopenia. All three patients responded with a sustained increase in their platelet counts, despite discontinuation of conventional therapy. Interruption of zidovudine therapy was associated with a decrease in platelet count. Concomitant with the elevation in platelet count with zidovudine therapy, there was a reduction in the circulating p24 antigen levels. Whether the elevations in the platelet count in these patients with HIV-related thrombocytopenia is due to the antiviral effect of zidovudine is unknown. It is clear that further studies examining the prospective use of zidovudine in the treatment of HIV-related thrombocytopenia are indicated.

• Authors: J C Pottage Jr, C A Benson, J B Spear, A L Landay, H A Kessler
• Journal: JAMA (JAMA) Vol. 260 Issue 20 Pg. 3045-8 (Nov 25 1988) ISSN: 0098-7484 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2972851 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• HIV Antigens
• Zidovudine

Topics

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (complications)
• Adult
• Combined Modality Therapy
• HIV Antigens (analysis)
• Humans
• Immunization, Passive
• Leukocyte Count (drug effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Platelet Count (drug effects)
• T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer (drug effects)
• Thrombocytopenia (drug therapy, etiology, immunology)
• Zidovudine (pharmacology, therapeutic use)