Treatment of AIDS with combinations of antiviral agents: a summary

Article Abstract:

Zidovudine (AZT) has altered the course of HIV infection significantly by greatly enhancing the survival time of infected individuals. However, several problems have been associated with use of this antiretroviral agent. (AIDS is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is a retrovirus.) Side effects of AZT may be so severe and uncomfortable that patients may be unable to receive the full recommended dosage. In addition, the effectiveness of the drug has been seen to diminish after about one year of therapy, possibly due to the development of resistant strains of HIV. These complications and the fact that AZT is not curative underscore the need for further research and development of antiviral agents to combat HIV infection and AIDS. Progress has recently been made by studying the effects of combinations of antiviral agents. Promising results have been obtained using AZT and interferon alpha, particularly because both drugs inhibit the replication of HIV in the body, but do so through different mechanisms. They produce different side effects and, in combination, have been shown to delay the development of AZT-resistant strains of HIV in treated individuals. Another combination of antiviral agents is AZT and ddC (2',3'-dideoxycytidine). Again, both agents inhibit HIV replication by different pathways. In trials it was found that both drugs produce their antiviral effects early in treatment, prior to the emergence of side effects. One of the common side effects of antiviral treatment is a reduction of the numbers of white blood cells (which help to fight infection) and red blood cells (which carry oxygen). These effects have been partially compensated for by administering growth factors, which stimulate the production of these blood cells. Such treatment may protect patients from the development of anemia and other complications related to blood cell deficiencies. In general, antiviral drug trials have provided evidence of the usefulness of combined antiviral treatment of HIV infection. Benefits include fewer and less severe side effects, improved treatment responses, and significant changes in the development of drug-induced viral resistance. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prevention, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Antiviral agents, Drug resistance, Virus inactivation, editorial

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Antiretroviral therapy in combination with interferon for AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma

Article Abstract:

AIDS is caused by infection with the retrovirus known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Kaposi's sarcoma is a skin cancer associated with HIV infection. As more complications are encountered in the treatment of AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses, such as Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), it has become clear that combination drug therapy may provide effective treatment and decrease side effects. For example, in the laboratory, it has been shown that two drugs, AZT (zidovudine) and interferon, are associated with significant treatment effects against AIDS. The former is an effective antiviral agent, and the latter has been attributed with improving the lesions associated with KS. However, when administered separately, AZT and interferon have potentially serious side effects. In laboratory tests using the two drugs in combination, they were found to be more effective at lower dosages, which were also less likely to cause side effects. A review of three studies provides evidence that the benefits of combined therapy with AZT and interferon, as seen in the laboratory, may be achieved in humans as well. In the first study, it was found that combination therapy could safely be given in dosages that are effective in patients with AIDS-related KS. Further study was recommended in the second, based on evidence that combination therapy with AZT and interferon was safe and appeared to be effective in treating HIV infection and KS lesions. In the third study cited, which was conducted by the author, it was shown that combination therapy was safe and that side effects could be controlled for by adjusting dosages without compromising treatment effects. It is recommended a combination of AZT and interferon therapy be considered as a safe and effective method of treating patients with AIDS-related KS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Dosage and administration, Zidovudine, Kaposi's sarcoma, Interferon

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