VIEWS & REVIEWS

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VII International Conference on AIDS - a synopsis Although there was no dramatic new research reported at the VIIth International Conference on AIDS held in Florence in June 1991, much useful information was presented. The theme was 'Science Challenging AIDS' with an emphasis on basic research. There was great interest in vaccines; 13 are now undergoing human trials and large clinical studies are planned. Clinical trials of antivirals were discussed and conclusions included the following: • the use of TIBO compounds in AIDS is looking promising • combination therapy seems to be giving good results • new adverse effects observed with didanosine include diabetes mellitus, Raynaud's phenomenon and acute mania • low dose zidovudine is being used commonly in asymptomatic patients • the use. of surrogate endpoints in trials is . mcreasmg. A great deal of information on the treatment of opportunistic infections was presented. It was emphasised that, in general, toxoplasma treatment is effective for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis. It was shown in a large study that while prophylaxis with inhaled pentamidine and cotrimoxazole [trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole] was equally effective, only pentamidine improved long term survival. AIDS during pregnancy and vertical transmission issues were also addressed. Several risk factors for vertical transmission were confirmed. It was reported from a study involving 2300 women that HIV -infected mothers had a higher rate of miscarriage while the neonates had a lower mean birth weight and childhood mortality was significantly higher even for HIV-negative children. Willocks L. VII international conference on AIDS - Florence. June 1991. Postgraduate Medical Journal 68: 62. Jan 1992 ""

ISSN 0156-2703/92/0222-0003/$1.00/0 © Adis Intemationoilld

INPHARMA® 22 Feb 1992