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Pike-Lee T, Syed S, Willis MA, Li Y. Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Neurologic Disorders: Is Prophylaxis Necessary? Neurol Clin Pract 2021; 11:242-248. [PMID: 34484891 PMCID: PMC8382367 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in patients with underlying neurologic conditions is not well established, and the necessity of PJP prophylaxis for immunocompromised patients with neurologic disorders is uncertain. METHODS Single-center retrospective analysis of non-HIV PJP patients at a tertiary referral center from 2007 to 2016 to determine the incidence of PJP in patients with primary neurologic disorders. RESULTS The study included 142 patients with PJP without HIV. Twenty patients had primary neurologic diagnoses, and 122 had non-neurologic conditions. Associated neurologic diagnoses included brain malignancies (N = 14), myasthenia gravis (MG) (N = 2), myopathy (N = 2), neuromyelitis optica (NMO) (N = 1), and CNS vasculitis (N = 1). Estimated incidences of PJP were 0.7% for patients with NMO and 0.3% for patients with MG for the 10-year study period, whereas 4.6% of patients with NMO and 3.8% of patients with MG were placed on PJP prophylaxis. A survey of 24 neurologists who prescribe immunotherapy or chemotherapy confirmed an infrequent occurrence of PJP in their practice. Malignancy or parenchymal organ failure was present in 90% of neurologic patients with PJP, and coexisting infections occurred in 45%. CONCLUSIONS The overall incidence of PJP in patients with non-neoplastic neurologic disorders is exceedingly low, raising doubt about the value of routine PJP prophylaxis in neurologic patients outside neuro-oncology. PJP infection occurs frequently in patients with malignancy or parenchymal organ failure, indicating that overall health status may serve as a predisposing factor for PJP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Pike-Lee
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH. Dr. Willis is now with Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Sana Syed
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH. Dr. Willis is now with Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Mary Alissa Willis
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH. Dr. Willis is now with Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Yuebing Li
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH. Dr. Willis is now with Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
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Harada T, Kato R, Sueda Y, Funaki Y, Takata M, Okazaki R, Hasegawa Y, Yamasaki A. The efficacy and safety of reduced-dose sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for chemoprophylaxis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with rheumatic diseases. Mod Rheumatol 2020; 31:629-635. [PMID: 32820678 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2020.1812834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening opportunistic infection. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) is the first-line drug for PCP prophylaxis. However, adverse events (AEs) force clinicians to alter or reduce the drug dosage. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all patients with rheumatic diseases who received SMX/TMP for prophylaxis and glucocorticoid therapy between April 2004 and March 2018. The rates of AEs, SMX/TMP discontinuation, and incidence of PCP were analyzed. Patients were divided into the conventional group and the dose-reduction group. RESULTS One hundred forty-five patients and 75 patients were included in the conventional group and the dose-reduction group, respectively. Compared to the dose-reduction group, the conventional group had a significantly high frequency of AEs (10.7% vs. 24.1%; p = .017); however, the rate of discontinuing SMX/TMP was not significantly different (8.0% vs. 14.5%; p = .165). Thirteen conventional group patients required a reduced SMX/TMP dose because of AEs; no patient developed PCP. The conventional SMX/TMP dose and renal dysfunction were associated with AEs in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Patients who received a reduced SMX/TMP dose did not have PCP and had a lower frequency of AEs. A reduction in SMX/TMP for PCP prophylaxis is effective and safe in patients with rheumatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Harada
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Ryohei Kato
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yuriko Sueda
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Funaki
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Miki Takata
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Ryota Okazaki
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Hasegawa
- Division of Rheumatology, Tottori Prefectural Central Hospital, Tottori, Japan
| | - Akira Yamasaki
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
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Roux A, Gonzalez F, Roux M, Mehrad M, Menotti J, Zahar JR, Tadros VX, Azoulay E, Brillet PY, Vincent F. Update on pulmonary Pneumocystis jirovecii infection in non-HIV patients. Med Mal Infect 2014; 44:185-98. [PMID: 24630595 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii is the only fungus of its kind to be pathogenic in humans. It is primarily responsible for pneumonia (PJP). The key to understanding immune defences has focused on T-cells, mainly because of the HIV infection epidemic. Patients presenting with PJP all have a CD4 count below 200/mm(3). The introduction of systematic primary prophylaxis and the use of new anti-retroviral drugs have significantly reduced the incidence of this disease in the HIV-infected population, mainly in developed countries. The increasingly frequent use of corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and other immunosuppressive drugs has led to an outbreak of PJP in patients not infected by HIV. These patients presenting with PJP have more rapid and severe symptoms, sometimes atypical, leading to delay the initiation of a specific anti-infective therapy, sometimes a cause of death. However, the contribution of new diagnostic tools and a better understanding of patients at risk should improve their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Roux
- Service de pneumologie, hôpital Foch, 92151 Suresnes, France
| | - F Gonzalez
- Service de réanimation médico-chirurgicale, hôpital Avicenne, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 93009 Bobigny, France
| | - M Roux
- Service de radiologie, hôpital Avicenne, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 93009 Bobigny, France
| | - M Mehrad
- Service des urgences, Gustave Roussy, Cancer Campus Grand Paris, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - J Menotti
- Service de parasitologie-mycologie, hôpital Saint-Louis, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 75010 Paris, France; Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, 75010 Paris, France
| | - J-R Zahar
- UPLIN, CHU d'Angers, 49100 Angers, France; Université d'Angers, 49100 Angers, France
| | - V-X Tadros
- Service de réanimation médico-chirurgicale, hôpital Avicenne, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 93009 Bobigny, France
| | - E Azoulay
- Service de réanimation médicale, hôpital Saint-Louis, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 75010 Paris, France; Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, 75010 Paris, France
| | - P-Y Brillet
- Service de radiologie, hôpital Avicenne, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 93009 Bobigny, France; Université Paris-13, 93009 Bobigny, France
| | - F Vincent
- Service de réanimation polyvalente, CHI Le Raincy-Montfermeil, 10, rue du Général-Leclerc, 93370 Montfermeil, France.
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Ogawa J, Harigai M, Nagasaka K, Nakamura T, Miyasaka N. Prediction of and prophylaxis againstPneumocystispneumonia in patients with connective tissue diseases undergoing medium- or high-dose corticosteroid therapy. Mod Rheumatol 2014. [DOI: 10.3109/pl00021707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Miyasaka N, Takeuchi T, Eguchi K. Official Japanese guidelines for the use of infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis. Mod Rheumatol 2014. [DOI: 10.3109/s10165-004-0357-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus From Southern Taiwan. J Clin Rheumatol 2013; 19:252-8. [DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0b013e31829d5017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Cettomai D, Gelber AC, Christopher-Stine L. A survey of rheumatologists' practice for prescribing pneumocystis prophylaxis. J Rheumatol 2010; 37:792-9. [PMID: 20194450 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.090843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) occurs in immunocompromised hosts, in both the presence and absence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, with substantial morbidity and a heightened mortality. We assessed practice patterns among rheumatologists for prescribing PCP prophylaxis. METHODS Invitations to an online international survey were e-mailed to 3150 consecutive members of the American College of Rheumatology. RESULTS Completed surveys were returned by 727 (23.1%) members. Among respondents, 505 (69.5%) reported prescribing prophylaxis. Factors associated with significantly higher frequency of prescribing PCP prophylaxis included female gender (OR 1.47, p = 0.03), US-based (OR 1.77, p = 0.004), academic-based (OR 2.75, p < 0.001), in practice less than 10 years (OR 4.08, p < 0.001), having previously treated PCP (OR 2.62, p < 0.001), and in a practice with a higher proportion of patients maintained on chronic glucocorticoids (OR 2.04, p < 0.001) or other immunosuppressant medications (OR 3.19, p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, rheumatologists early in their careers and those with academic and US-based practices were more likely to prescribe prophylaxis. Among prescribers, the most important determinants for issuing prophylaxis were treatment regimen (68.6%), rheumatologic diagnosis (9.3%), and medication dosage (8.3%). CONCLUSION Nearly one-third (30%) of the rheumatologists surveyed reported that they never prescribed PCP prophylaxis. While the patient characteristics for which prophylaxis was prescribed varied widely, physician demographics were strongly predictive of PCP prophylaxis use. These findings suggest that development of consensus guidelines might influence clinical decision-making regarding PCP prophylaxis in HIV-negative patients with rheumatologic diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Cettomai
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA
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Pneumocystose au cours des maladies systémiques. Presse Med 2009; 38:251-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2008.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Revised: 10/28/2008] [Accepted: 11/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Prophylactic antibiotic usage for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus on cyclophosphamide: a survey of US rheumatologists and the review of literature. J Clin Rheumatol 2009; 14:267-72. [PMID: 18679133 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0b013e31817a7e30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of cyclophosphamide in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) that has substantial morbidity and mortality. However, the frequency of PJP in these patients is unknown and there are no guidelines for prophylactic antibiotics. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are to evaluate the frequency of PJP and the need for prophylactic antibiotics in these patients. METHODS We estimated incidence of PJP and use of prophylactic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in these patients by a literature search and an e-mail survey of US rheumatologists. RESULTS We identified 18 manuscripts dealing with infections in SLE patients treated with cyclophosphamide. In these manuscripts, 121 cases of PJP were identified in 76,156 SLE patients with a frequency of 15.88 per 10,000 patients.Of 264 rheumatologists surveyed, 133 (50.37%) were using prophylactic antibiotics in these patients. One hundred thirty-one (49.63%) respondents did not use prophylactic antibiotics. 5,174 SLE patients received cyclophosphamide in last 5 years with 19.6 +/- 30.6 (mean +/- SD) patients per rheumatologist. 32 cases of PJP were reported. The total cumulative experience of 264 rheumatologists was 4742 years [(17.96 +/- 10.35) (mean +/- SD)] with a PJP rate of 67.48 per 10,000 years of practice. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of PJP in SLE patients on cyclophosphamide remains low (0.1588%). Therefore, routine use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for PJP prophylaxis in SLE patients on cyclophosphamide does not appear to be substantiated by this study, except in those with elevated risk, ie, with severe leucopenia, lymphopenia, high dose corticosteroids, hypocomplementemia, active renal disease, and higher mean SLEDAI score. There is a need for consensus guidelines addressing prophylactic antibiotics in these patients.
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Abstract
A growing body of experimental and clinical evidence supports the pivotal role of infections in the induction or exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Infections can be responsible for aberrant immune response leading to a loss of tolerance towards native proteins. Molecular mimicry, especially between Sm or Ro autoantigens and EBV Nuclear Antigen-1 response, as well as the over-expression of type 1 INF genes are among the major contributors to SLE development. On the other hand infections are very common in SLE patients, where they are responsible for 30-50% of morbidity and mortality. Several factors, either genetic, including complement deficiencies or mannose-binding lectin deficiency or acquired such as severe disease manifestations or immunosuppressant use, predispose SLE patients to infections. All types of infections, including bacterial, viral and opportunistic infections, have been reported and the most frequently involved sites of infections are the same as those observed in the general population, including respiratory, skin, and urinary tract infections. Some preventive measures could be adopted in order to reduce the rate of infections in SLE patients: i.e. screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for some chronic viral infections before immunosuppressive treatment; adequate prophylaxes or drug adjustments when indicated, and pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations in patients with stable disease.
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Complications infectieuses au cours du lupus érythémateux systémique : étude de 146 patients. Rev Med Interne 2008; 29:626-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2008.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2007] [Revised: 01/06/2008] [Accepted: 02/26/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Alarcón GS. Infections in Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Scleroderma, and Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2006; 20:849-75. [PMID: 17118293 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2006.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In SLE, scleroderma, and PM/DM, infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality. This increased risk for developing infections is the result of immune abnormalities and of organ system manifestations associated with these diseases and their treatments. Common bacteria are responsible for most mild and lethal infections; however, opportunistic microorganisms cause death in some patients, particularly in those receiving high doses of corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy. Various viral and fungal infections also contribute to the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. Regardless of the cause of infections, adequate and prompt recognition and proper treatment of the infected patient are imperative. Patients who have these diseases, especially when receiving high doses of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy, need to be monitored closely for these infections. This care and concern is necessary to ensure optimal patient outcomes, both in morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela S Alarcón
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Faculty Office Tower, 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35294-3408, USA.
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14
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Abstract
Immunosuppressive drugs have become the gold standard for the treatment of major organ involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus. The use of immunosuppressive therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus carries significant risks for infection. This article reviews infectious complications in systemic lupus erythematosus, focusing on effects of immunosuppressive therapy. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus appear to carry an intrinsically increased risk for infection. Recent studies support this notion further by showing increased risk for serious infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who had mannose-binding lectin deficiency associated with homozygous mannose-binding lectin variant alleles. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who were homozygous for mannose-binding lectin variant alleles had a fourfold increase in the incidence of infections, requiring hospitalization. In terms of extrinsic risk factors for infection, use of steroids and cyclophosphamide are the strongest risk factors. The effect of these drugs on infection is also dose dependent. The incidence of infectious complications in patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil, a newly used immunosuppressive drug in systemic lupus erythematosus, appears less frequent compared with cyclophosphamide. Herpes zoster is still the most common viral infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil. Overall data indicate that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus may have intrinsically increased risks for infection that are augmented by immunosuppressive therapies. Cyclophosphamide, in particular in combination with high-dose glucocorticoids, has the strongest effect in suppressing the immune responses against microorganisms. Careful monitoring of infectious complications is warranted in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus receiving immunosuppressive therapies, in particular those on high-dose glucocorticoids and cytotoxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insoo Kang
- Section of Rheumatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.
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Juárez M, Misischia R, Alarcón GS. Infections in systemic connective tissue diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis/dermatomyositis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2003; 29:163-84. [PMID: 12635506 DOI: 10.1016/s0889-857x(02)00100-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In SLE, scleroderma, and PM/DM, infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality. This increased risk of developing infections is the result of immune abnormalities and of organ system manifestations associated with these diseases and their treatments. Common bacteria are responsible for most mild and lethal infections; however, opportunistic microorganisms cause death in some patients, particularly in those receiving high doses of corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy. Various viral and fungal infections also contribute to the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. Regardless of the cause of infections, adequate and prompt recognition and proper treatment of the infected patient are imperative. Thus, patients with these diseases, especially when receiving high doses of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy, need to be monitored closely for these infections. This care and concern is necessary to ensure optimal patient outcomes, both in terms of morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Juárez
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Abstract
Immunocompromised patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infections. A major risk factor for infection seems to be the immunosuppressive therapy used. Newer therapies for RA may lead to increased rates of infection by opportunistic pathogens such as Mycobacteria tuberculosis. Because disease manifestation may mimic signs and symptoms of infection, prompt diagnosis may be difficult. Familiarity with the likely infections and their causes should aid in obtaining the appropriate culture specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B Greenberg
- Departments of Medicine, Molecular Virology, and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Gilliland WR, Tsokos GC. Prophylactic use of antibiotics and immunisations in patients with SLE. Ann Rheum Dis 2002; 61:191-2. [PMID: 11830419 PMCID: PMC1754039 DOI: 10.1136/ard.61.3.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W R Gilliland
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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Abstract
The improved survival of SLE patients since the 1950s is the result of not only better treatment, but also supportive treatment of renal failure and the wealth of antibiotics now available. Ironically, the wider use of immunosuppressives, especially the alkylating drugs, and the longer survival of patients with renal insufficiency and renal failure have made the identification and appropriate treatment of infection in SLE an ongoing challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Petri
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Abstract
This article examines the expression of fungal infections seen with different immunodeficiency states and discusses how the sequential appearance of different diseases serves as a harbinger of clinical disease progression. The effect of an immunocompromised state on the medical history, physical findings, and natural history of fungal infections are discussed. The appearance and increased frequency of rare fungal infections, made possible by immunosuppression, are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Conant
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, USA
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Godeau B, Mainardi JL, Roudot-Thoraval F, Hachulla E, Guillevin L, Huong Du LT, Jarrousse B, Remy P, Schaeffer A, Piette JC. Factors associated with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in Wegener's granulomatosis. Ann Rheum Dis 1995; 54:991-4. [PMID: 8546533 PMCID: PMC1010066 DOI: 10.1136/ard.54.12.991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the factors associated with the occurrence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). METHODS We retrospectively compared a group of 12 patients with WG and PCP (PCP group), with 32 WG patients without PCP followed over the same period in the same centres (control group). RESULTS The mean delay of onset of PCP after the start of the immunosuppressive therapy was 127 (SD 128) days. Before treatment, the clinical and biological features of the two groups were similar, except for the mean lymphocyte count which was lower in the PCP group than in the control group (1060/mm3 v 1426/mm3; p = 0.04). During treatment, both groups were lymphopenic. There was a significant difference between the lowest absolute lymphocyte count in each group (244/mm3 in the PCP group v 738/mm3 in the control group; p = 0.001). During the first three months of treatment, the lymphocyte count was less than 600/mm3 at least once in 10 of the 12 patients in the PCP group and in 11 of the 32 patients in the control group (p < 0.01). The mean cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide was greater in the PCP group than in the control group at the end of both the second (1.55 mg/kg/day v 0.99 mg/kg/day; p = 0.05) and the third (1.67 mg/kg/day v 0.97 mg/kg/day; p = 0.03) months. However, in multivariate analysis, the only two factors independently and significantly associated with the occurrence of PCP were the pretreatment lymphocyte count (p = 0.018) and the lymphocyte count three months after the start of the immunosuppressive treatment (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS The severity of lymphocytopenia before and during immunosuppressive treatment is the factor best associated with PCP in WG.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Godeau
- Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
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