Use of IFN-gamma in patients with AIDS

Article Abstract:

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is known to have properties which stimulate the immune system, as well as having anti-tumor and anti-viral properties. A study of 21 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was undertaken to evaluate the tolerance and toxicity of IFN-gamma. All patients had Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancerous lesion affecting the skin and other body sites, and/or a history of opportunistic infection; 20 were homosexual males, and one was a hemophiliac. The patients were given intravenous infusions of IFN-gamma, twice a week for eight weeks. They experienced minimal toxicity and tolerated therapy well, even at the maximum dose. No patients developed antibodies that would neutralize the IFN-gamma. Three of 17 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma responded to this therapy, with complete response in one patient who is currently still in remission four years later. The two other patients had partial and temporary regression of the Kaposi lesions. A decrease in HIV p24 antigen was noted in six of nine patients who had detectable HIV protein initially. No increase in lymphocyte (white blood cell) response was detected in this group of patients. However, this might occur if treatment is initiated earlier in the course of HIV infection, before there is severe loss of CD4 cells, or if IFN-gamma is used in conjunction with other antiviral therapies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Drug therapy, Interferon gamma, Kaposi's sarcoma

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Predominance of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in cerebrospinal fluid of AIDS patients with cytomegalovirus polyradiculomyelitis

Article Abstract:

Infections with viruses such as the cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpesvirus group, cause sickness and death in patients with AIDS. CMV leads to a number of clinical syndromes, including diseases affecting the nervous system. Although uncommon, polyradiculomyelitis (inflammation of the nerve roots and the spinal cord) which is thought to be caused by CMV has been seen in a number of patients infected with HIV-1. The presence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), a type of white blood cell, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AIDS patients was evaluated. CMV-induced-polyradiculomyelitis was found in four out of 241 patients who were infected with HIV and had neurological disease. All four patients had increased numbers of PMNs. In all of the 241 patients with neurological symptoms, only seven, including the four that had CMV-induced-polyradiculomyelitis, had large numbers of PMNs in their CSF. Therefore, it is concluded from this study that a predominance of PMNs in the CSF could indicate that the neurological condition is caused by CMV infection. The CMV infection could then be rapidly treated with drugs effective against cytomegalovirus. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Medical examination, Cytomegalovirus infections, Opportunistic infections, Cerebrospinal fluid

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