Effect of azidothymidine on soluble CD4 levels in patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex.

Circulating soluble CD4 (sCD4) levels were measured in 20 patients (11 with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] and 9 with AIDS-related complex [ARC]) treated with azidothymidine (AZT) and in 12 patients (nine with AIDS and three with ARC) who were in the placebo group. The mean CD4 level in the AZT treatment group at baseline was 41 +/- 12 (SEM) U/ml. After 4 wk of treatment, the mean level decreased to 23 +/- 5; it was 29 +/- 10, 31 +/- 14, and 21 +/- 5 at 8, 12, and 16 wk of therapy, respectively. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. These results suggest that AZT administration may be associated with reduced sCD4 levels in these patients.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes