Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of low-dose oral interferon-alpha in HIV-1 antibody positive patients.
One hundred forty-nine patients of private physicians in Toronto, Canada, who were positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), medically stable, and had CD4 cell counts of < 700 cells/mm3 participated in a randomized, double-blind trial of placebo versus low-dose (50 U) versus high-dose (100 U) oral interferon-alpha. Treatment allocation was balanced according to baseline CD4 cell count and history of prior antiviral therapy. Patients were observed at 4 and 8 weeks for assessment of adverse events and several measures of disease status, including CD4 cell count, beta 2-microglobulin, weight, and Karnofsky score. We detected neither short-term benefits nor adverse effects from oral interferon-alpha therapy.
Hulton
M R
MR
Community Research Initiative of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Levin
D L
DL
Freedman
L S
LS
D000284:Administration, Oral; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D010349:Patient Compliance
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D016898:Interferon-alpha