Prediction of and prophylaxis againstPneumocystispneumonia in patients with connective tissue diseases undergoing medium- or high-dose corticosteroid therapy

• DOI: 10.3109/pl00021707
• Publication Date: 2014-01-02T14:54:17Z
• Authors: Jun Ogawa; Masayoshi Harigai; Kenji Nagasaka; Takahiro Nakamura; Nobuyuki Miyasaka
• Keywords: Pneumocystis pneumonia; Prednisolone; PSL; Trimethoprim

We performed a retrospective analysis to establish statistical model for the prediction of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD) undergoing medium- or high-dose corticosteroid therapy, identify independent risk factors PCP and evaluate efficacy prophylactic use trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) against PCP. One hundred twenty-four who were receiving equivalent more than 30 mg/day prednisolone (PSL) classified into two groups according presence (prophylaxis group, n = 46) absence (nonprophylaxis 78) TMP/SMX. developed that was suitable predicting development using logistic regression analysis. The initial steroid dosage, decreased peripheral blood lymphocyte counts at 2 weeks (<500/μl), usage immunosuppressant during after institution PSL (≥30 mg/day) found independently contribute Finally, patient group defined PCP, significant effect TMP/SMX demonstrated. recommend CTD therapy are determined have high developing