Aerosolized pentamidine in HIV. Promising new treatment for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is the most common life-threatening disease diagnosed in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients treated for their initial episode are at risk for recurrence of the disease. HIV-positive patients with low T4 lymphocyte counts are also at risk. Conventional treatment regimens with parenteral pentamidine isethionate (Pentam 300) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole have a 50% to 60% incidence of serious adverse effects and a 20% to 40% rate of failure. Aerosolized pentamidine represents a promising new therapy for HIV-infected patients. Major adverse reactions have not been reported with its use. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) recent approval of aerosolized pentamidine may also have a positive effect on healthcare costs by preventing episodes of P carinii pneumonia. In addition, FDA approval may result in reimbursement of patients for this new therapy by more insurance companies.
Sarti
G M
GM
Department of Family Practice, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio.
D000336:Aerosols; D000578:Amidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D010419:Pentamidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D012008:Recurrence; D013420:Sulfamethoxazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014295:Trimethoprim / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
D000336:Aerosols; D000578:Amidines; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D010419:Pentamidine; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; D014295:Trimethoprim; D013420:Sulfamethoxazole