The ACTG study (AACTG 349) of prednisone in HIV infection has just been amended. Now, individuals naïve to treatment with T-cell (CD4) counts above 400 may participate! Prednisone is a glucocorticoid hormone widely used to treat immune diseases. This short trial involves taking prednisone or a prednisone placebo for 12 weeks. The theory is that prednisone will decrease cellular activation, and that reduced cell activation will limit the sites where HIV can multiply. The hope is that this site limitation will lead to a decrease in HIV viral load.
Patients who complete the study including having a test (called cosyntropin) to check their natural production of corticosteroids will be offered an honorarium. This trial has a great deal of scientific importance and should be easy to participate in. Please call us at 612-625-1462 for more information.