Metabolic Complications, Growth Hormone Treatment: New Studies Planned

On June 12 the Community Research Initiative on AIDS (CRIA), located in New York City, announced that it will begin two studies of metabolic disorders (fat redistribution, and blood sugar abnormalities) now being recognized more frequently in some persons with AIDS.

* The first study will follow 30 people for three months when they begin HIV treatment with protease inhibitors. Using a modified oral glucose tolerance test, the study will look for changes in the volunteers' ability to process sugar.

* A different study will examine the safety and effectiveness of using human growth hormone to treat abnormal fat redistribution--whether or not the volunteers are also on protease-inhibitor treatment.

These studies are expected to begin in early July; more information will be available after the 12th World AIDS Conference, June 28-July 3 in Geneva. To find out about volunteering, call the Community Research Initiative on AIDS, 212-924-3934.