Inhaled or intravenous pentamidine therapy for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in AIDS: a randomized trial

Article Abstract:

Pentamidine is a drug administered by inhalation or intravenously to patients with pneumonia caused by the organism Pneumocystis carinii, which is commonly found in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Preliminary reports of the effectiveness of the administration of pentamidine by inhalation in this population have been encouraging; however, response rates have been variable. In a recent study, 10 patients received intravenous pentamidine and 11 received inhaled pentamidine. All patients who received pentamidine intravenously responded to therapy; however, only 6 of 11 patients responded to the inhaled doses. Therapeutic failure resulted in an increased rate of death in these patients. Drug delivery of inhaled pentamidine may vary in patients with respiratory distress and altered breathing patterns. In addition, patients with nonpulmonary sites of infection with P. carinii may require alternate methods of treatment. Inhaled pentamidine therapy is more successful in patients with milder disease; it cannot be used as sole therapy in patients with more severe disease in the presence of pulmonary difficulties. Greater adverse systemic effects occur with intravenous pentamidine; however, inhaled pentamidine, although less toxic, cannot be administered as an alternative to all patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Infection, Lungs, Lung, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii, Pentamidine isethionate, Pentamidine

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Advances in the management of AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis

Article Abstract:

Participants at a National Institute of Health conference presented the current thought on identification, patient characteristics, and treatment options for patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in association with AIDS. Most patients with CMV retinitis have low CD4 cell counts and are identified by physical examination. Treatments currently being tested include ganciclovir given intravenously or as an eye implant or therapies injected directly into the eye. All of these options have proven to be effective but are costly, inconvenient, and potentially toxic.

Cytomegalovirus infections

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