Effect of azidothymidine (AZT) on P24 antigen levels in patients with AIDS-related complex and AIDS.

Circulating HIV P24 antigen levels at baseline and following AZT therapy were measured in 9 patients with ARC and 11 patients with AIDS. Eight of these patients had no detectable levels of P24. The P24 antigen levels in the remaining 12 patients decreased significantly after AZT treatment. Following discontinuation of AZT treatment in 2 patients, the P24 antigen levels went up. These results clearly demonstrate the efficacy of AZT in reducing P24 antigen levels in circulation.