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  • Title: [Improved prognosis of first episode HIV associated Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia without preventive treatment: etiology and sequelae].
    Author: Ewig S, Schäfer H, Rockstroh JK, Lüderitz B.
    Journal: Pneumologie; 1996 Jul; 50(7):455-61. PubMed ID: 8927603.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: The prognosis of first episodes of HIV-associated PCP has markedly improved. The knowledge about the reasons for this progress could bear important implications for the management of HIV-infected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as therapy and clinical course were documented. Prognostic analysis was performed using a logistic regression model. Early (1985-1988) and late (1989-1994) episodes were compared with regard to the results of the prognostic analysis. RESULTS: 67 patients (61 male, six female, mean age 35 +/- 12 years) without any prophylaxis presenting with a first episode of PCP were treated from 1985 until 1994. 95% of patients had a known HIV-serostatus prior to the diagnosis of PCP. Hemoglobin, percentage of neutrophils in BALF as well as AaDO2 were variables significantly associated with lethal outcome. The prognosis of late episodes was significantly improved (7 versus 32% lethal outcomes, log rank p < 0.01). AaDO2 as the only parameter found to be significantly associated with outcome was significantly lower in the late episodes, accordingly. The mean time until diagnosis of PCP was five days shorter in this group. Moreover, CD8 cell-count and serum albumin were found to be significantly higher, and mean loss of weight prior to diagnosis of PCP significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of first episodes of PCP without any prophylaxis is most closely associated to the severity of pneumonia as reflected by AaDO2. Causes for a minor severity of PCP include an earlier diagnosis as well as better immunity and a better clinical performance at the time of PCP. The improved prognosis therefore results from the experience of the treatment center. A known HIV-serostatus and regular medical care by an experienced treatment center contributes significantly to improved outcome of PCP also in the group non-compliant to distinctive recommendations with regard to prophylaxis for PCP.
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