Letter To The Editor

I received a copy of your publication "Women Alive" which addressed issued relating to the use of AZT to prevent HIV transmission to infants. There are many unsubstantiated and inaccurate statements which ethically require correction or documentation. The following statements are so incorrect that they border on fraudulence.

"The scientists collected data on only 75% of the kids."

"There is very strong evidence that if AZT worked...it worked during the birth process."

"The women were given massive doses of AZT."

In addition, the article claims that there is a child who was HIV negative and yet shows "plummeting T cells" and another child who is negative who has "tumors removed on a regular basis." I feel that it is ethically imperative that you document these cases and report them to the FDA.

I am disappointed in the apparent lack of accuracy of your publication. There are many of us who have been in this epidemic from the beginning who have sought to convey information in an honest and helpful way.

Sincerely,
Arthur J. Ammann, M.D.
Pediatric AIDS Foundation/Research Division