Objective: To investigate the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pneumocystosis complicated after renal transplantation.
Methods: Data from 12 cases of kidney transplant recipients who developed pneumocystosis were analyzed by clinical symptoms and signs, results of laboratory examination, imaging, bronchoscopy and biopsy. Combined TMP/SMZ was used for the prevention and treatment.
Results: Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) detection rate was 16.7% from alveolar douche, 66.7% with bronchoscopy and biopsy. Two cases was diagnosed by PCR method with sputum. Plain chest film showed 58.3% of lung cirrhosis. CT showed 50% frosted glass-like change in lungs and 25% with lung consolidation. Eleven cases were cured but one died.
Conclusion: Pc detection by bronchoscopy and biopsy, and PCR are most helpful in the diagnosis of pneumocystosis complicated with renal transplantation, in addition to plain chest film and CT scaning. Combined TMP/SMZ is effective in the prevention and treatment of pneumocystosis.