A Placebo Controlled Trial To Evaluate Zidovudine (ZDV) in the Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection in Hemophilic Patients

Study A: Individuals who are infected with HIV can benefit from therapy with an effective anti-AIDS virus agent. ZDV is a potent inhibitor of HIV in vitro (test tube) and is safe in humans at the dose planned. It may be effective in preventing the development of AIDS or ARC in hemophiliacs who have the HIV antibody in their blood. The pharmacokinetic studies are especially important because the high prevalence of hepatic disease in this population may affect the metabolism and blood levels of ZDV. Study B: HIV is transmitted by sexual contact, and wives of infected hemophilic patients have become infected during long-term sexual relationships. Transmission of the virus does not occur during casual family contact. This study will aid in determining if therapy influences the transmission of HIV, because the wives of hemophiliacs generally have no risk for HIV infection other than sexual contact with their spouse. Study A: Patients selected for the study are randomly assigned to placebo (inactive medication) or ZDV taken every 4 hours while the patient is awake for a total of 5 doses per day. The patient's immune function and clinical condition are monitored with periodic virus cultures, p24 antigen assays, estimates of lymphocyte type and numbers, cell surface markers, and frequent clinical evaluations to see if these are markers of drug efficacy. Patients continue on their regimen until the final analysis of the data, which could occur up to 3 years after the last patient is entered into the study. Amendment: Based on data from ACTG 019 this protocol has been closed to further accrual. All patients entered in this study will be unblinded as to treatment received. Patients will be informed of results of ACTG 019 and be requested to sign a modified statement of consent approved by the local Institutional Review Board. All patients currently receiving study therapy will be offered open-label ZDV. Patients temporarily discontinued from study therapy at this time will be offered open-label ZDV when toxicity resolves (less than or equal to Grade 2 hemoglobin or neutrophil toxicity, less than or equal to Grade 1 all other toxicities). Patients who have been permanently discontinued from study therapy will not be eligible for open-label ZDV through this protocol. Modification of dose is recommended, however, patients who elect to continue current dose of ZDV after being informed of results of ACTG 019 will be allowed to do so. All patients enrolled in this study will continue to be followed until termination of this study. Above amendment added 11/01/89. Study B: The wife or other female sexual partner is interviewed once at the beginning of the study and again when Study A is completed. The interview takes about 10 minutes and includes questions about the couple's sexual activity to help define the risk of becoming infected with HIV. In addition, blood is drawn to test for antibodies to HIV. The questionnaire and blood sample will be repeated at the time the patient is switched from blinded study therapy to open-label ZDV. (AMENDED 11/01/89) The results of the blood test are given to the person being tested. Information about the transmission of HIV and counseling are provided. It is recommended that the wife abstain from sexual contact with her husband, but if she does not, the use of condoms or condoms plus a spermicide is recommended. The decision about the type of precautions to take does not influence the opportunity to participate in the study.