Purpose

Study A: To determine whether treatment with zidovudine (ZDV) will delay or change the disease process in hemophilic patients who have HIV infection with no symptoms. The major clinical question is whether patients who receive chronic ZDV therapy will have a delay in the development of AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC). The pharmacokinetics (blood levels) of ZDV in hemophilic patients will also be studied. Study B: To determine if ZDV therapy changes the risk of a hemophiliac transmitting HIV to his wife or other female sexual partner. To determine the effectiveness of counseling and education on the behaviors of the wives that place them at risk for HIV infection. To determine if antibodies to HIV either appear or disappear from the blood of any of the wives during the study. Study A: Individuals who are infected with HIV can benefit from therapy with an effective anti-AIDS virus agent. ZDV is a potent inhibitor of HIV in vitro (test tube) and is safe in humans at the dose planned. It may be effective in preventing the development of AIDS or ARC in hemophiliacs who have the HIV antibody in their blood. The pharmacokinetic studies are especially important because the high prevalence of hepatic disease in this population may affect the metabolism and blood levels of ZDV. Study B: HIV is transmitted by sexual contact, and wives of infected hemophilic patients have become infected during long-term sexual relationships. Transmission of the virus does not occur during casual family contact. This study will aid in determining if therapy influences the transmission of HIV, because the wives of hemophiliacs generally have no risk for HIV infection other than sexual contact with their spouse.