Zidovudine for the treatment of thrombocytopenia associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A prospective study. The Swiss Group for Clinical Studies on the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of zidovudine on platelet counts in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated thrombocytopenia.


METHODS
The study was prospective, controlled, and blinded. Each patient received active drug and placebo. Platelet counts were compared before and after receiving zidovudine.


METHODS
Outpatient clinics in Geneva, Lausanne, and Zürich, Switzerland.


METHODS
Sequential sample of ten patients (five intravenous drug addicts, four homosexual men, one Zairian) who were seropositive for HIV, and had platelet counts between 20 and 100 X 10(9)/L (20,000 to 100,000/mm3). Patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were not enrolled. None had been previously treated for thrombocytopenia, and no medication except zidovudine or placebo was administered during the trial period.


METHODS
Five patients received 8 weeks of zidovudine (2 g/d for 2 weeks, and 1 g/d for 6 weeks), followed by 8 weeks of placebo. The other five patients received placebo for 8 weeks followed by zidovudine.


RESULTS
Platelet counts increased in each patient while on zidovudine, but not while on placebo; the mean increase was 54.6 X 10(9)/L +/- 11.25 (SE) from 53.2 to 107.8 X 10(9)/L (P less than 0.004). After the end of zidovudine treatment, platelet counts remained elevated for more than 4 weeks in three of five patients. One patient developed granulocytopenia and anemia during treatment with zidovudine.


CONCLUSIONS
Zidovudine is a potential new treatment for HIV-associated thrombocytopenia.
D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D015215:Zidovudine