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Early and prolonged decrease of viremia in HIV-1-infected patients treated with didanosine
S Yerly1, L Kaiser, C Baumberger
1Central Laboratory of Virology, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland.
Summary
Didanosine (ddI) monotherapy showed a significant reduction in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viremia in most patients. Viremia decrease at 4 weeks may predict long-term antiviral benefits.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Patients previously treated with zidovudine were monitored.
- Didanosine (ddI) monotherapy was introduced to assess its efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antiviral efficacy of didanosine (ddI) monotherapy.
- To assess the correlation between virologic parameters and clinical events.
- To determine if early viremia reduction predicts long-term benefits.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring of laboratory parameters and clinical events in 14 patients over 1 year.
- Quantification of proviral human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA and viremia using semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- High levels of circulating HIV-1 were detected initially.
- Nine out of 14 patients showed a 60-98% decrease in viremia within 4 weeks.
- After 1 year, eight patients maintained decreased viremia, with stable or increased CD4+ lymphocytes in seven.
- Antiviral effects were more pronounced in patients with higher baseline CD4+ counts (>100/mm3).
Conclusions:
- Didanosine (ddI) monotherapy can effectively reduce HIV-1 viremia.
- Early reduction in viremia may predict long-term antiviral response.
- Viremia measurement shows potential as a marker for antiviral efficacy.