Abstract |
Cotrimoxazole ( trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole [ TMP-SMX]) is an alternative treatment for toxoplasmic encephalitis because it is inexpensive, well-tolerated, and as effective as pyrimethamine- sulfadiazine, which is the first-line drug regimen). We report results of a large cohort study of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who were treated for toxoplasmic encephalitis with cotrimoxazole. The mean follow-up period was more than three years. Our results confirm that cotrimoxazole is effective (85.5%), with a relatively low incidence of side effects (22%; 7.4% requiring treatment interruption). Relapse occurred in 30.1% of the patients at a mean +/- SD of 7.8 +/- 16.2 months after the first episode. The only risk factor for relapse was poor treatment and/or prophylaxis adherence. Mortality was significantly higher (P < 0.05) before 1996 than after 1996 (the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy). There was a non-significant trend towards a higher rate of relapse among patients treated before 1996 (P = 0.06). Consequently, cotrimoxazole could be a first-line drug regimen for curative treatment and prophylaxis of toxoplasmic encephalitis.
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Authors | Guillaume Béraud, Sandrine Pierre-François, Adeline Foltzer, Sylvie Abel, Bernard Liautaud, Didier Smadja, André Cabié |
Journal | The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
(Am J Trop Med Hyg)
Vol. 80
Issue 4
Pg. 583-7
(Apr 2009)
ISSN: 1476-1645 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 19346380
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-HIV Agents
- Antiprotozoal Agents
- Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
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Topics |
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
(complications)
- Adult
- Anti-HIV Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Antiprotozoal Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
- Cohort Studies
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral
(complications, drug therapy)
- Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
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