INTRAVENOUS injection of a broad-spectrum immunoglobulin significantly reduces the number of bacterial infections in some children who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It also significantly increases the time patients are free of infection and reduces the number of hospitalizations.
These are the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Md.
However, despite these findings, there was no effect on mortality. Thirty-one patients died in each of the two groups studied. The treatment is not a cure for pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The institute's parent, the National Institutes of Health, released the results prior to publication in a scientific journal, says the acting director, William Raub, PhD, in accordance with a proposed new system. (Please see related article on page 949.)
"We believe these results have the prospect for an immediate and positive effect on the treatment