Use of zidovudine in human immunodeficiency virus-induced hepatitis.

Hepatitis is a common complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease in children. Often a distinct pathogen cannot be identified. Therefore, by exclusion, one must consider HIV the direct pathogen. Zidovudine (AZT) has not been used as a treatment for HIV-positive children with presumed HIV-induced hepatitis because of the potential of this medication to exacerbate preexisting hepatitis. We have used AZT to treat an 8-month-old female with severe HIV-induced hepatitis and have achieved complete remission with this regimen. For some HIV-positive children with HIV-induced hepatitis, AZT may be the drug of choice to resolve hepatic inflammation caused by this virus.