The Safety of Zidovudine Plus Interferon-Alpha in HIV-Infected Children

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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PRIMARY: To determine the maximum tolerated dose of interferon-alfa (IFN-A) alone and in combination with zidovudine (AZT); to assess the safety and tolerance of IFN-A alone and in combination with AZT. SECONDARY: To evaluate the effect of combination IFN-A and AZT on immunologic and virologic parameters; to determine whether the pharmacokinetic parameters of AZT are modified by the subcutaneous administration of IFN-A. AZT is effective in suppressing the progression of HIV infection in patients without symptoms or with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC). However, use of AZT is limited by its frequent toxicity, which sometimes relates to the amount of drug given. Thus, a combination treatment of two drugs that work together may provide more effective and safer treatment. IFN-A is a drug that has antiviral effects and may work well with AZT.

Detailed Description
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AZT is effective in suppressing the progression of HIV infection in patients without symptoms or with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC). However, use of AZT is limited by its frequent toxicity, which sometimes relates to the amount of drug given. Thus, a combination treatment of two drugs that work together may provide more effective and safer treatment. IFN-A is a drug that has antiviral effects and may work well with AZT. The study is being conducted in three stages. In Cohort A (IFN-A alone), four patients receive IFN-A; subsequent four-patient cohorts receive doses escalated in increments. If 50 percent or more of patients at any dose level experience grade 2 or better toxicity, doses in subsequent cohorts are escalated. If grade 3 or 4 toxicity is seen in one patient at a given dose level, two additional patients are enrolled at that level. Treatment is given subcutaneously (under the skin, with a needle), 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The MTD is defined as the dose level immediately below that at which 50 percent or more of patients experience grade 3 or 4 toxicity. In Cohort B (combination IFN-A plus AZT), patients who complete treatment in Cohort A continue on the same dose of IFN-A, and a low, middle, or high dose of AZT is added. In Cohort C, four newly assigned patients who have been on a stable prescribed dose of AZT of at least 90 mg/m2 for 6 weeks are treated at each of the same dose combinations as those in Cohort B. Treatment is given for 12 weeks. IFN-A is given subcutaneously 3 times a week and AZT is given orally every 6 hours. Dose levels of both drugs are increased until 50 percent or more of patients experience grade 3 or 4 toxicity in any dose level.

Official Title
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Safety and Tolerance of Zidovudine and Interferon-Alpha in HIV-Infected Children

Conditions
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HIV Infections

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Interferon alfa-2a
* Drug: Zidovudine


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria Concurrent Medication: Recommended: Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Allowed: Aerosol ribavirin for short-term treatment of acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Immunization according to the current recommendations of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice. IVIG. Systemic ketoconazole, acyclovir, or oral nystatin for acute therapy. Patients must have the following: HIV infection. Patients with proven resistance to AZT are also eligible. Prior Medication: Allowed: Aerosol ribavirin. Required: Cohort C treatment: Stable prescribed dose of zidovudine (AZT) >= 90 mg/m2 for at least 6 weeks prior to study entry. Exclusion Criteria Co-existing Condition: Patients with the following conditions or symptoms are excluded: AIDS or class P-2B, D, or E symptomatic infection. Concurrent Medication: Excluded: Hepatotoxic or neurotoxic drugs, immunosuppressants, or antiseizure medication. Ketoconazole, fluconazole, and acyclovir for prophylaxis. Immunomodulators (other than IVIG). Experimental drugs. Cohort A patients: AZT for clinical indications. Prior Medication: Excluded: Other antiretroviral agents (including didanosine (ddI), dideoxycytidine (ddC), or soluble CD4) within 1 month of study entry. Systemic ribavirin administered for retroviral therapy within 2 months of study entry. Immunomodulating agents including interferon, isoprinosine, interleukin-2, or lymphocyte transfusions within 4 weeks of study entry. RBC transfusion within 4 weeks prior to study entry. Alcohol or drug abuse.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 3 Months
Maximum Age: 17 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment


Arms and Interventions

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Drug: Interferon alfa-2a|nan|
|Drug: Zidovudine|nan|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Drug Therapy, Combination, AIDS-Related Complex, Zidovudine, Interferon Type I