Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients

In this prospective French study, mortality approached 32% (higher in HIV-negative patients); late initiation of treatment and use of adjunctive corticosteroids were associated with worse outcomes.

In the past, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) was primarily seen as an AIDS-defining event (with mortality as high as 15%) in persons living with HIV. Now, most patients with PJP have other immunocompromising conditions with considerably higher lethality. Furthermore, PJP identification is often delayed due to broader differential diagnosis.

To better characterize PJP and its prognostic parameters, French researchers conducted a prospective cohort study involving 158 patients with PJP (mean age, 62; 62% male) receiving care in 36 intensive care units (ICUs). The most common underlying conditions were cancer or hematologic malignancy (42%), HIV infection (18%), and solid-organ transplantation (9%). Bacterial, viral, or fungal pulmonary …

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients

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Reviewing Author