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  • Title: Neutropenia in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.
    Author: Israel DS, Plaisance KI.
    Journal: Clin Pharm; 1991 Apr; 10(4):268-79. PubMed ID: 2032444.
    Abstract:
    The possible mechanisms of neutropenia associated with both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and drug treatment in adults are examined, and the current and investigational strategies for managing neutropenia are reviewed. Neutropenia associated with HIV arises from diverse mechanisms, including cellular immune dysfunction, direct effects on progenitor cells, humoral immune dysfunction, and vitamin deficiencies. Drug-induced neutropenia may be related to direct cytotoxic effects, immunologic mediators, and the effects of vitamin depletion on the bone marrow. Bone marrow toxicity in patients receiving zidovudine appears to be more frequent in those patients with advanced disease, low CD4 cell counts, a pretreatment anemia, low serum vitamin B12 levels, and low or low normal serum folic acid levels. Patients with AIDS also are at increased risk for adverse events associated with folate antagonists and sulfonamides compared with other patient populations. Lithium therapy has improved neutrophil counts in patients receiving zidovudine; however, the toxicities associated with use of lithium, combined with the lower dosages of zidovudine now recommended, may obviate its use. The use of colony-stimulating factors appears promising for increasing the number and function of circulating neutrophils. Although concomitant use of interferon alfa and zidovudine may result in a strong synergistic anti-HIV effect, dose-limiting neutropenia has been reported in patients receiving the combination. There are currently no controlled data assessing the effectiveness of intravenous immune globulin in the treatment of HIV-related or drug-related neutropenia. In evaluating neutropenia, the clinician must attempt to discern whether the neutropenia is more likely related to disease state(s) or drug therapies. Potential management strategies include modulation of the disease state, discontinuation or dose reduction of the offending agent, or administration of exogenous immune enhancer.
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