Glucocorticoid therapy for severe Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
The majority of patients with AIDS and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia respond to treatment with either high-dose cotrimoxazole or IV pentamidine. Glucocorticoids have been given as 'adjuvant' therapy in those patients who fail to respond to cotrimoxazole or pentamidine. This article discusses the role of glucocorticoids therapy in the treatment of severe Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and reviews the evidence for their efficacy.
Miller
R F
RF
University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, Middlesex Hospital, London, U.K.
Semple
S J
SJ
D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010419:Pentamidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D010419:Pentamidine; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; D008775:Methylprednisolone