Long-term results of monthly inhaled pentamidine as primary prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-infected patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of inhaled pentamidine as primary prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).


METHODS
Two hundred thirty-two HIV-infected patients with a CD4 cell count below 20% of the total lymphocyte count were given aerosolized pentamidine once every 4 weeks for more than 3 months. Pentamidine aerosols were administered at the hospital under medical supervision. Prevention of bronchospasm was carried out using inhaled salbutamol.


RESULTS
Mean duration of prophylaxis was 15.9 months. Eleven patients (4.7%; [95% confidence interval 2% to 7.4%]) developed PCP. Probability to remain free of PCP is 95.6% at 12 months, 94% at 18 months, and 88% at 24 months. Mean delay between the onset of the prophylaxis and the occurrence of PCP for the 11 patients was 12.9 months (range: 4 to 26 months). No major side effect was observed, and minor side effects (cough, acute dyspnea) were infrequent.


CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy and tolerance of aerosolized pentamidine as shown in our study support its use as primary prophylaxis against P. carinii in HIV-infected patients.
Pretet
S
S
Department of Chest Medicine, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France.
Salmon
D
D
Rousseau
F
F
Guillon
J M
JM
Taki
B E
BE
Roux
M E
ME
Belguendouz
A
A
Deleuze
J
J
Morini
J P
JP
Gorin
I
I
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010419:Pentamidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011336:Probability
D010419:Pentamidine