Comparison of two dose regimens of zidovudine in an open, randomized, multicentre study for severe HIV-related thrombocytopenia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the effect of two dose regimens of zidovudine in the treatment of severe HIV-related thrombocytopenia (TP).

DESIGN:

Eighty-four patients with severe HIV-related TP and platelet counts < 50 x 10(9)/l were enrolled in an open study at six centres. Patients were randomized into two groups to receive zidovudine (group A, 500 mg per day; group B, 1000 mg per day) for 6 months.

METHODS:

Platelet counts were determined monthly and patients categorized as complete responders (CR; platelets > 100 x 10(9)/l), partial responders (PR; platelets > 50 to < 100 x 10(9)/l), or failures (F; platelets to < 50 x 10(9)/l). CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, HIV antigenaemia, beta 2-microglobulin, white blood cells, mean cell volume and haemoglobin were also determined.

RESULTS:

Seventy-one patients (35 and 36 in groups A and B, respectively) completed the study; 11.4% of group A patients were CR and 45.7% PR; 38.9% of group B were CR and 33.3% PR. Increase in mean platelet counts was dose-related, more rapid in the higher dose group and remained significantly higher after 6 months of treatment (56.4 x 10(9)/l in group A versus 98.2 x 10(9)/l in group B; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results confirm the efficacy of zidovudine in the treatment of severe HIV-related TP. The average for CR and PR in the two groups was 64.8%; the higher dose of zidovudine was more effective at increasing platelet counts.

• Authors: G Landonio, P Cinque, A Nosari, S Gafa, F Rizzo, M Coen, U Tirelli, L Caggese, U di Luzio Paparatti, A Lazzarin
• Journal: AIDS (London, England) (AIDS) Vol. 7 Issue 2 Pg. 209-12 (Feb 1993) ISSN: 0269-9370 [Print] England
• PMID: 8466682 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Zidovudine

Topics

• Adult
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• HIV Infections (complications, drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Platelet Count
• Thrombocytopenia (blood, complications, drug therapy)
• Zidovudine (administration & dosage)