[Zidovudine treatment and need of blood transfusion in patients with AIDS].
The treatment of AIDS patients with zidovudine extends their survival time. However, hematological side effects frequently require a reduction of the dosage and the administration of blood transfusions. We reviewed the history of zidovudine treatment and blood transfusions for 27 patients with AIDS treated in the University Hospital Utrecht between July 1st, 1987 and July 1st, 1990. The initial dosage of zidovudine was 1000-1200 mg daily orally. Two months after the initiation of the therapy, 48% of the patients required a reduction of the zidovudine dosage. This percentage had increased to 85% after 12 months since the start of the therapy. During this period, 26% of the patients received blood transfusions. The zidovudine dosage was on the average of 480 mg per day after reduction. One year after the start of the therapy, 81% of the patients were still alive, and after 1 1/2 years this percentage was 68. In our study the proportion of patients undergoing a reduction of the zidovudine dosage was high in comparison with data reported in the literature. However, the need for blood transfusions was clearly lower. The survival percentages after 1 and 1 1/2 years were about the same as reported in other studies. Therefore, we conclude that an early reduction of the zidovudine dosage and resulting low total dosage were effective and resulted in a decreased need for blood transfusions.
Ligtenberg
P C
PC
Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, sectie Immunologie en Infectie, Utrecht.
Hoepelman
I M
IM
Vrehen
H M
HM
Borleffs
J C
JC
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D015215:Zidovudine