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2747825 
Journal Article 
Failed prophylactic zidovudine after needlestick injury 
Looke, DF; Grove, DI 
1990 
1 
The Lancet
ISSN: 0140-6736
EISSN: 1474-547X 
IPA/90/917360 
VOL 335 ISS May 26 1990 
REF 4 
English 
IPA COPYRIGHT: ASHP The failure of zidovudine (I) in preventing occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection is reported in a health care worker who was given a course of 250 mg of I every 6 h within 6 h of a deep needlestick injury after taking blood from a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Blood taken from the injured worker at the time of treatment was negative for HIV-1 antibody while the patient was confirmed as being seropositive. Minor side effects of lethargy and gastric discomfort were reported. Five wk after the accident, influenza-like symptoms and generalized lymphadenopathy developed. Six wk after the accident, a screening test for HIV-1 antibody was positive. It was concluded that I cannot be relied upon as an effective agent for the prophylaxis of HIV-1 infection after a needlestick injury.