A Study of Zidovudine in HIV-Infected Patients With Liver Disease

To examine the pharmacokinetics (blood levels) and bioavailability of zidovudine (AZT) given to patients with HIV infection and chronic liver disease. The specific aim of the study is to provide data permitting the development of guidelines for use of AZT in patients with mild, moderate, or severe liver disease.

AZT is the only antiviral agent that has been shown to be effective in patients with severe HIV infection. However, AZT is largely eliminated from the body through a biochemical reaction that takes place in the liver, and it is possible that patients with underlying liver disease may have altered AZT pharmacokinetics and may metabolize AZT differently, with the result that they are susceptible to an increased risk of serious drug toxicity. This study will examine the pharmacokinetics, elimination, and metabolism of AZT in patients with liver disease. Guidelines developed from the data will be helpful in managing AZT treatment of these HIV-infected persons and will indicate whether the dose of AZT administered should be adjusted to compensate for any changes in its bioavailability and/or pharmacokinetics.

Patients are assessed and stratified according to liver function and severity of liver disease. Patients receive an intravenous (IV) dose of AZT on the first day of the study, followed by an oral dose 24 hours later on the second day of the study. Patients fast for 8 hours prior to each dose and for 2 hours after each dose. Liver function tests are repeated on the first day of the study. In each patient, serial measurements of serum and urine AZT and its metabolite, 3'-azido-3'-deoxy-5'-glucuronylthymidine (GAZT), are monitored after both doses.