[Withdrawal of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis in patients receiving efficacious combined antiretroviral treatment. Study of 85 cases]

Abstract

Objectives: To analyse the incidence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia after the withdrawal of prophylaxis, in patients with AIDS who were receiving HAART (highly active antiretroviral treatment).

Patients and methods: Prospective opened study of 85 patients with AIDS (CD4 lymphocytes < 200 x 10(6)/l) and whose CD4 counts had increased over 200 x 10(6)/l after HAART, 79 were under primary prophylaxis and six secondary.

Results: Mean CD4 lymphocytes count at the time of withdrawal was 343 x 10(6)/l. Mean time of follow-up after withdrawal was 358 days (range: 93-1,487; median: 302). None of the patients have had Pneumocystis carinii or toxoplasmosis after withdrawal of prophylaxis.

Conclusions: Pneumocystis carinii prophylaxis in AIDS patients might be safety withdrawn after effective HAART.