
Comparison of Stavudine Used Alone or in Combination With Didanosine in HIV-Infected Children
HIV InfectionsTo evaluate the safety and determine the pharmacokinetic disposition of stavudine (d4T) alone and in combination with didanosine (ddI), and whether concurrent administration alters the disposition of either drug. To compare d4T versus d4T plus ddI with respect to short and long term changes from baseline in plasma HIV RNA concentrations. To determine the relationship, if any, between drug exposure and viral burden. In a pilot study of d4T and ddI given to eight children with advanced HIV for 24 weeks, the three children with baseline counts greater than 50 cells/micro liter experienced a 20% increase in their CD4+ lymphocyte counts. Based on these results, controlled trials of the same regimen for children with less advanced HIV disease should be undertaken.

A Pilot Study of Allogeneic Lymphocyte Transfer in HIV Infection
HIV InfectionsTo examine, in HIV-infected patients, the safety of allogeneic lymphocyte transfer (i.e., infusion of white blood cells taken from an HIV-negative parent, sibling, or adult offspring who has a compatible blood type). To measure the distribution and survival of allogeneic lymphocytes in the circulation of HIV-infected patients, and to determine whether their infusion results in enhanced immunity. To determine whether enhanced immunity is passively transferred or actively induced. There is evidence that periodic infusion of allogeneic lymphocytes obtained from the peripheral blood of HLA-matched HIV-1 seronegative siblings of patients with AIDS can, in some instances, restore the number of circulating CD4+ lymphocytes. However, more controlled studies are needed to better quantitate the immunologic reconstitution seen with this type of therapy.

A Study to Test the Safety, Tolerance, and Metabolism of Abacavir (1592U89, ABC) With Standard Zidovudine...
HIV InfectionsThe purpose of this study is to determine the safety, tolerance, and metabolism of single-dose and multiple-dose abacavir (ABC) in HIV-exposed infants receiving standard postnatal treatment with zidovudine (ZDV). This study also evaluates the correct dosages of ABC to be used in future studies. Early aggressive therapy may be the best chance to slow disease progression in infants who may have been infected with HIV by their mothers. Early HIV suppression may significantly reduce viral levels and allow for restoration of the immune system, providing improved control over HIV infection. Therefore, it is important that the safety and tolerance of ABC in combination with ZDV be examined as potential early therapy in newborn and young infants.

A Study of Nevirapine for the Prevention of HIV Transmission From Mothers to Their Babies
HIV InfectionsPregnancyThe purpose of this study is to see if giving the anti-HIV drug nevirapine (NVP) to HIV-positive pregnant women and their babies can help reduce the chance that a mother will give HIV to her baby during delivery. This study will also test the safety of the drug and see how well it is tolerated by the mother and her baby. Previous studies suggest that NVP is a promising medication for blocking HIV transmission from HIV-positive mothers to their babies.

A Study on the Effect of High-Calorie Infant Formula on Growth and Nutrition in HIV-Infected Infants...
HIV InfectionsThis study examines the effects of an infant formula containing increased calories, as compared to commercial formulas, when given during the first 6 months of life. It will examine effects on growth, disease progress, immune system, and quality of life of infected infants. HIV disease in infants often leads to nutritional deficiencies. Providing increased nutrition early in their lives may help the quality of life of children who contract HIV from their mothers.

Safety and Effectiveness of CD4-IgG2 in HIV-Positive Children
HIV InfectionsCD4-IgG2 is a special man-made protein that was built to block the entrance of HIV into CD4 cells (cells of the immune system that fight infection). The purpose of this study is to see if giving CD4-IgG2 to HIV-infected children is safe and effective. HIV attaches to CD4 cells and enters them. Inside, HIV makes copies of itself that will help the virus invade the body. CD4 cells are killed or disabled during this process of HIV replication. Decreases in CD4 cells lead to a weakened immune system. When CD4 cell counts become very low, the body is unable to defend itself, and HIV infection develops into AIDS. The protein used in this study, CD4-IgG2, may be able to attach to HIV and inactivate it so that it cannot enter CD4 cells. This is an early study to examine CD4-IgG2 as a possible treatment for HIV in children.

A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerance of Stavudine (d4T) in Combination With Lamivudine (3TC)...
HIV InfectionsPregnancyThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerance of 2 anti-HIV drugs, d4T and 3TC, given in combination to HIV-positive pregnant women and their infants. Most HIV-positive pregnant women usually take the anti-HIV drug zidovudine (ZDV) to treat HIV and reduce the chances of giving HIV to their babies. It recently has been shown that a combination of drugs may be more effective than ZDV alone. This study tests the effectiveness of combinations of ZDV, d4T, and 3TC.

Treatment Success and Failure in HIV-Infected Subjects Receiving Indinavir in Combination With Nucleoside...
HIV InfectionsGroup A: To compare the time to confirmed virologic failure (2 consecutive plasma HIV-RNA concentrations of 500 copies/ml or more) between the treatment arms: abacavir (ABC) or placebo in combination with zidovudine (ZDV), lamivudine (3TC), and indinavir (IDV). To evaluate the safety and tolerability of these treatment arms. [AS PER AMENDMENT 06/16/99: To compare the time to confirmed treatment failure, permanent discontinuation of treatment, or death between the treatment arms.] [AS PER AMENDMENT 12/27/01: Groups B, C, and D completed follow-up on March 4, 1999. Therefore, only information pertinent to Group A is applicable.] Group B: To compare the proportion of patients who achieve plasma HIV-1 RNA concentrations below 500 copies/ml, as assessed by the standard Roche Amplicor assay at Week 16, or to compare the absolute changes in plasma HIV-1 RNA concentrations at Week 16 across the treatment arms: ABC or approved nucleoside analogs and nelfinavir (NFV) or placebo in combination with efavirenz (EFV) and adefovir dipivoxil. To compare the safety and tolerability of these treatment arms. Group C: To monitor plasma HIV-1 RNA trajectory over time and determine the time to a confirmed plasma HIV-1 RNA concentration above 2,000 copies/ml on 2 consecutive determinations for patients treated with ZDV or stavudine (d4T) plus 3TC and IDV. Group D: To evaluate plasma HIV-1 RNA responses at Weeks 16 and 48. To evaluate the safety and tolerability of the treatment arms: ABC, EFV, adefovir dipivoxil, and NFV. This study explores new treatment options for ACTG 320 enrollees (and, if needed, a limited number of non-ACTG 320 volunteers) who have been receiving ZDV (or d4T) plus 3TC and IDV and are currently exhibiting a range of virologic responses. By dividing the study into the corresponding, nonsequential cohorts (Groups A, B, C, D), different approaches to evaluating virologic success, i.e., undetectable plasma HIV-1 RNA levels, and virologic failure, i.e., plasma HIV-1 RNA levels of 500 copies/ml or more [AS PER AMENDMENT 12/27/01: 200 copies/ml or more], are explored while maintaining long-term follow-up of ACTG 320 patients. [AS PER AMENDMENT 12/27/01: Groups B, C, and D completed follow-up on March 4, 1999. Therefore, only information pertinent to Group A is applicable. This study will examine the question of whether intensification of therapy can prolong the virologic benefit in individuals whose plasma HIV-1 RNA concentrations have been below the limits of assay detection on ZDV (or d4T) plus 3TC plus IDV.]

A Study to Evaluate the Effects of Giving Interleukin-2 (IL-2) Plus Anti-HIV Therapy to HIV-Positive...
HIV InfectionsTo demonstrate the safety and tolerability of subcutaneously administered interleukin-2 (IL-2) plus antiretrovirals in patients with HIV infection and CD4 counts of 350 cells/mm3 or more. To demonstrate the immunological efficacy of subcutaneous IL-2 therapy plus antiretroviral therapy relative to antiretroviral therapy alone. IL-2, given through injection under the skin, in combination with anti-HIV therapy can increase CD4 cell counts. This study examines 3 doses of IL-2 in order to determine the safest and most effective dose to use.

A Study to Compare the Effectiveness of a Four Drug Anti-HIV Regimen Given Alone or in Combination...
HIV InfectionsThe purpose of this study is to examine how the level of HIV is reduced in the blood when anti-HIV therapy is initiated. This study will also evaluate whether adding GM-CSF or IL-12 to the anti-HIV drug regimen will increase the rate that HIV is reduced. The anti-HIV drugs used in this study will include lamivudine (3TC), zidovudine (ZDV), indinavir (IDV), nevirapine (NVP), and stavudine (d4T). All have been used successfully to treat HIV. GM-CSF has been used to treat certain blood disorders; it will be used as an experimental drug in this study. IL-12 (interleukin-12) is a protein found naturally in the body that is thought to boost the immune system. Although GM-CSF and IL-12 have no direct effect against HIV, these drugs may improve the ability of the immune system to fight the virus.