The use of intravenous pentamidine for the prophylaxis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in pediatric patients. Issue 8 (11th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kruizinga, Matthijs D.; Bresters, Dorine; Smiers, Frans J.; Lankester, Arjan C.; Bredius, Robbert G.M.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric blood & cancer. Volume 64:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-01-11
• Subjects: PCP -- pentamidine -- Pneumocystis -- Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia -- prophylaxis -- stem cell transplantation; Tumors in children -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cancer in children -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26453
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1545-5009

Abstract

Abstract: Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia was common in the immunocompromised host before the widespread use of prophylaxis. When trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole is not tolerated, prophylaxis with intravenous pentamidine (IVP) may be initiated. We performed a retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients who received IVP regarding efficacy, safety, and reason for initiation. Of 106 patients included in our analysis, one patient tested positive for Pneumocystis DNA. Adverse events were reported in 18% of IVP courses, and main reason for initiation was cytopenia (59%). We found IVP to be effective and safe, and recommend the use of IVP in pediatric patients in whom first‐line prophylaxis is contraindicated.