[Pneumocystis prophylaxis during glucocorticoid use?]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2018 Aug 30:162:D2927.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is a much-feared complication of the use of immunosuppressive drugs. There is no current consensus on the indications for PJP prophylaxis in patients with rheumatological diseases who are receiving higher-dose glucocorticoid treatment over a prolonged period. The decision on whether or not to administer prophylaxis depends primarily on the Number Needed to Treat (NNT) vs the Number Needed to Harm (NNH) of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) or other forms of prophylaxis. A recent retrospective study from South Korea supports the efficacy and safety of TMP/SMX for patients using ≥ 30 mg prednisone for > 1 month, especially in those with high-risk disease or other risk factors. Surveillance of regional and national PJP incidence, along with possible predictors, may help in gaining a better understanding of risk groups and in drawing up a regional, or preferably national, protocol.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / chemically induced
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / prevention & control*
  • Prednisone / adverse effects*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
  • Prednisone