ADENINE ARABINOSIDE THERAPY OF HERPES-ZOSTER IN IMMUNOSUPPRESSED - NIAID COLLABORATIVE ANTIVIRAL STUDY

Adenine arabinoside treatment of herpes zoster in immunodeficient patients was evaluated in a randomized, controlled crossover study. The 2 study groups had similar characteristics. In spite of rapid natural healing, those receiving adenine arabinoside over the 1st 5 days had accelerated clearance of virus from vesicles (P = 0.01), cessation of new vesicle formation (P = 0.004) and a shorter time to total pustulation (P = 0.01). Factors modifying the response to therapy included age, underlying disease and the duration of zoster prior to therapy. Clinical toxicity was minimal. Laboratory assessment of bone marrow, liver and renal function showed insignificant alterations as a result of therapy. Adenine arabinoside is a drug with promise for therapy of systemic herpes zoster in immunocompromised patients. It is most efficacious when administered during the 1st 6 days of disease (P = 0.001) to those who have reticuloendothelial neoplasia (P = 0.001) and are less than 38 yr of age (P = 0.001).