Palmisano L, Chisesi T, Galli M, Gritti FM, Ielasi G, Lazzarin A, Mezzaroma I, Moroni M, Raise E, Vaglia A. Thymostimulin treatment in AIDS-related complex.
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY 1988;
47:253-61. [PMID:
3259480 DOI:
10.1016/s0090-1229(88)80003-5]
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Abstract
Thirty-four patients with AIDS-related complex (ARC) were treated for 6 months with thymostimulin, a thymic hormone. Clinical and immunological findings after a 1-year follow-up were compared with those in 24 age- and sex-matched controls receiving no immunotherapy. Statistical evaluation after 6 and 12 months showed significant differences in the two groups. The thymostimulin-treated group had higher leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, more positivity in intradermal tests with multiple recall antigens, and less lymphadenopathy and weight loss. The number of OKT3+ and OKT4+ lymphocytes decreased significantly in the control group, but did not change in the thymostimulin-treated patients. Finally, after 18 months of follow-up, no progression to AIDS was seen among the treated subjects, whereas 3 of the controls developed the disease. We conclude that thymostimulin, alone or in combination with antiviral drugs, may be helpful in the management of ARC patients.
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