A Randomized, Prospective, Double-Blind Study Comparing Fluconazole With Placebo for Primary and Secondary Prophylaxis of Mucosal Candidiasis in HIV-Infected Women

Fluconazole has been shown to be effective in preventing or suppressing candidiasis in HIV-negative women. An increasing likelihood of oral and esophageal candidiasis in conjunction with progressive immunosuppression raises the question of the potential role of prophylactic antifungal therapy in high-risk persons.

Four hundred HIV-infected women are randomized to receive fluconazole or placebo weekly for up to 2 years. Patients undergo follow-up every 3 months or more often if signs and symptoms of mucosal candidiasis occur.

Inclusion criteria

Patients must have:

• Evidence of HIV infection.
• CD4+ count <= 300 cells/mm3 or <= 20 percent of total lymphocyte count.
• Reasonably good health with a life expectancy of at least 6 months.
• Pelvic exam including Pap smear or colposcopy performed within the past 90 days.

Prior Medication:

Allowed:

• Topical or systemic treatment or prophylaxis with an antifungal agent.

Exclusion criteria

Co-existing Condition:

Patients with the following symptoms and conditions are excluded:

• Current diagnosis of Candida esophagitis.
• Known intolerance to azoles.

Concurrent Medication:

Excluded:

• Systemic treatment or prophylaxis with an antifungal agent.

Patients with the following prior conditions are excluded:

• Past history of Candida esophagitis.