A Phase III Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerance, and Efficacy of Early Treatment With Zidovudine (AZT) in Asymptomatic Infants With HIV Infection

AZT is currently indicated for primary treatment in children with HIV-associated signs and symptoms and for those with significant immunodeficiency. This study will attempt to determine whether early treatment with AZT prevents the development of symptoms in HIV-infected infants who are asymptomatic. Patients are randomized to receive oral AZT (at age-adjusted doses) or placebo. Patients are evaluated at weeks 2 and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter; those who reach a study endpoint will have their treatment unblinded to allow the clinician to determine which treatment regimen the patient should then receive. Patients who meet the criteria for changes to open-label AZT will be given the appropriate age-adjusted dose without unblinding the original randomization assignment. Patients who complete or discontinue treatment are followed every 6 months for up to 2 years.