Document 2795
 DOCN  M94A2795
 TI    DHEA: a potential treatment for HIV disease.
 DT    9412
 AU    Hasheeve D; Salvato P; Thompson C; Houston Immuno. Institute, TX.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):223 (abstract no. PB0322). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369780
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a
       testosterone precursor with possible immunomodulating affects, as an
       adjunct therapy for HIV disease. METHODS: 12 pts. with AIDS were treated
       with DHEA in addition to standard antiviral and prophylactic OI therapy
       for HIV infection. (2:CD4 < 50; 6:CD4 50-100; 4:CD4 101-200). In
       addition to DHEA, 4 pts. were receiving AZT/DDC, 2 were on AZT alone, 3
       were on DDI alone, 1 was on AZT/DDI, and 2 were not receiving
       antivirals. Pts. received an average oral DHEA dosage of 75 mg qd.
       CD4/CD8 counts were obtained at baseline and at one month intervals.
       Pts. were followed from 4 to 12 months with a mean of 8 months. RESULTS:
       2 pts. were deceased at the end of 12 months. 9 of the remaining 10 pts.
       demonstrated an increase in CD4 count. 5 of the 9 (56%) demonstrated a >
       25% increase in CD4 count. 8 pts. (68%) experienced an increase in CD8
       count; 2 (17%) demonstrated a > 25% increase in CD8 count. CONCLUSIONS:
       The majority of pts. on DHEA adjunct therapy experienced an increase in
       both CD4 and CD8 counts. A > 25% increase in CD4 count is clinically
       significant. How this increase relates to survival is unknown. Some
       reports equate increase in CD8 counts with long term survival. A
       randomized clinical trial of this drug appears warranted.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/DRUG THERAPY/*THERAPY  Adjuvants,
       Immunologic/*THERAPEUTIC USE  Anti-Infective Agents/THERAPEUTIC USE
       Antiviral Agents/THERAPEUTIC USE  Combined Modality Therapy
       Didanosine/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/THERAPEUTIC USE  Drug Evaluation
       Drug Therapy, Combination  Human  Leukocyte Count/DRUG EFFECTS
       Prasterone/*THERAPEUTIC USE  Treatment Outcome  T4 Lymphocytes
       Zidovudine/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/THERAPEUTIC USE  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).