Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
Alternative names:
pneumocystosis; pneumonia - pneumocystis carinii
Treatment:
Oral, intravenous,
and inhaled medications are used in the treatment of PCP.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
is the most effective therapy for PCP. Other options for acute
treatment include intravenous pentamidine or the combination
of clindamycin plus primaquine. Corticosteroids are frequently
given with antibiotic therapy for PCP to prevent worsening
lung function and decreased oxygenation.
Because PCP causes problems with gas exchange within the lung,
oxygen is often required to maintain normal oxygen levels.
Expectations (prognosis):
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia can be life threatening and
death may occur due to respiratory
failure. Early treatment reduces the death rate. People with
AIDS may have repeated
infections. For these people pneumocystis pneumonia
may be a terminal event.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if
you belong to a high-risk group and have developed a fever,
cough, or any type of
breathing difficulty.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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