Quigley N, d’Amours L, Gervais P, Dion G. Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prophylaxis Use for
Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in the Non-HIV Population: A Retrospective Study in Québec, Canada.
Open Forum Infect Dis 2024;
11:ofad639. [PMID:
38274551 PMCID:
PMC10810061 DOI:
10.1093/ofid/ofad639]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) remains a significant threat in immunocompromised cases. Recent data on epidemiology and risk factors for PJP in non-HIV cases are scarce, and guidelines on appropriate prophylaxis are lacking.
Methods
In this multicenter retrospective trial, all non-HIV adult cases admitted to hospitals in Québec City, Canada, between January 2011 and January 2021 with a diagnosis of PJP were assessed for eligibility.
Results
An overall 129 cases of PJP were included. More than two-thirds had an underlying hematologic disease or an autoimmune/inflammatory condition. Prior to diagnosis, 83.7% were taking corticosteroids, 71.3% immunosuppressive agents (alone or in combination with corticosteroids), and 62% both. A diagnosis of PJP was noted in 22 patients receiving corticosteroids for treatment <28 days. Two patients developed PJP while undergoing corticosteroid monotherapy at a mean daily prednisone-equivalent dose <20 mg/d; 4.7% of our cohort received a PJP prophylaxis. Current recommendations or accepted clinical practices for PJP prophylaxis would not have applied to 48.8% of our patients.
Conclusions
The use of corticosteroids-in monotherapy or in coadministration with other immunosuppressive agents-remains the principal risk factor for PJP in the non-HIV population. Current prophylaxis guidelines and accepted practices are insufficient to adequately prevent PJP and need to be broadened and updated.
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