The Safety and Effectiveness of Adefovir Dipivoxil in HIV-Infected Children

Although the oral bioavailability of PMEA ( adefovir ) is low, the prodrug bis-POM PMEA has resulted in increased bioavailability in adult patients in clinical trials. However, the safety and pharmacokinetic patterns of drugs in infants often differ from those of adults and the direction of the variation is not predictable. This study will assess these parameters of bis-POM PMEA in children. Patients are stratified by age, and separate cohorts from each age group receive 1 of 2 single doses of bis-POM PMEA. The lower dose is given to patients ages 3 months through 17 years; if toxicity is acceptable, the other cohort in this age range receives the higher dose. At this point, accrual of infants \< 3 months old may begin at the lower dose, followed by accrual of this age group at the higher dose if toxicity is acceptable. Serum drug concentrations are monitored up to 8 hours post dose. AS PER AMENDMENT 5/2/97: Based on data from both the low- and high-dose cohorts of the older age group (\>= 3 months to \< 18 years), the younger age group (\<3 months) will be started at the high-dose.