$Unique_ID{BRK00121}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{What Can Be Done for the Treatment of AIDS?}
$Subject{AIDS treatment}
$Volume{A-7}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Can Be Done for the Treatment of AIDS?


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QUESTION:  Every day the newspapers contain something about an AIDS treatment
breakthrough.  Everyone seems to have an answer.  Truthfully now, what, if
anything, can be done for the treatment of AIDS?

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ANSWER:  AIDS--the very mention of the word is anathema.  It has become the
dreaded disease of the twentieth century like bubonic plaque for the Middle
Ages.  With the disease comes a whole litany of misconceptions and
misinformation about how it is caught and from whom.  And we, as physicians,
though we know the real facts, experience the same feelings of frustration and
helplessness that most of us are experiencing.  As of yet we have no cure in
sight, though the FDA has given all anti-AIDS investigational new drugs and
new drug applications top priority.  The FDA which usually moves so slowly and
cautiously assures AIDS drugs a response or approval within 180 days.
     Zidovudine (formerly known as AZT) was reviewed and approved by the FDA
within four months--one of the shortest times on record.  It is certainly no
cure for AIDS, but it has brought some relief and prolongation of life to some
AIDS victims.  It is indicated for adult patients and was approved after only
one controlled trial conducted at 12 U.S. medical centers.  Usually a second
study is required, but in this case, the FDA allowed one because of the
fatality of the disease and the lack of any other treatment for AIDS victims.
During this 24-week trial, there was a significant reduction in mortality in
those taking zidovudine.  Though death continued to occur, the drug did make a
difference.  Though the drug is highly potent with many adverse side effects,
AIDS patients treated with it have a lowered risk of acquiring other
AIDS-related infections, manage to maintain their body weight better, and
sustain less severe symptoms of the disease than those not treated.
     Though less than a cure, and with no real track record, it is the one
drug so far that has done anything in our fight against AIDS.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
