A Multicenter, Exploratory Study to Evaluate the Effects of Antiretroviral Cessation on Plasma Associated HIV-1 RNA

Because viral load (amount of HIV RNA in the plasma) is often used as a measure of the effectiveness of new antiretroviral drugs in clinical trials, a washout period, or cessation of current antiretroviral regimens, is commonly required for study entry to allow for a drug-free steady state of viral load prior to initiation of the new drug. However, the kinetics of the viral rebound following drug withdrawal has not been sufficiently studied, and the proper duration of washout is an estimate.

Patients who have volunteered to temporarily cease antiretroviral therapy will be followed during a 28-day washout period. Blood samples are drawn at each of nine clinic visits. Patients may resume antiretrovirals after the 28-day washout.

Inclusion criteria

Concurrent Medication:

Allowed:

• Maintenance therapy for opportunistic infection, provided patient has received at least 1 month of stable therapy prior to study.
• G-CSF.

Patients must have:

• HIV infection.
• CD4 count <= 500 cells/mm3.
• At least 12 months of prior AZT, with 2 months of continuous AZT monotherapy immediately prior to study.
• The need to discontinue AZT because of drug-related toxicity or unwanted side effects or as an entry requirement for another research study.
• Consent of parent or guardian if < 18 years old.

Exclusion criteria

Co-existing Condition:

Patients with the following symptoms or conditions are excluded:

• Current medical status that is considered unsuitable for study participation.

Concurrent Medication:

Excluded:

• Therapy for an acute opportunistic infection.

Prior Medication:

Excluded within the past 2 months:

• Antiretrovirals other than AZT.
• Systemic immunomodulators (e.g., gp120, gp160, IL-2, and interferons).

Excluded within the past month:

• Vaccination.