A retrospective study of treatment of cerebral toxoplasmosis in AIDS patients with trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole.

Abstract

AIMS OF THE STUDY:

a retrospective study was designed to evaluate efficacy and tolerance of trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) in AIDS patients with cerebral toxoplasmosis (TE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

we reviewed 471 patients with AIDS, and we analysed 71 AIDS patients with TE, who received intravenous therapy with TMP-SMZ (TMP: 10 mg/kg/day, SMZ: 50 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks.

RESULTS:

35 patients (49.2%) had a complete regression of clinical signs, and a complete resolution of radiological lesions was noted in 41 patients (57.7%). Improvement of clinical signs and radiological lesions were observed in 27 patients (38%), and in nine patients (12.6%), respectively. In contrast, nine patients (12.6%) did not show any clinical change, or worsened. Twenty-two patients (30.9%) suffered from adverse cutaneous reactions, whereas many patients had haematological toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS:

TMP-SMZ seems to be an efficient therapy for TE in AIDS patients, although further prospective, randomized therapeutic trials are required to confirm these results.

• Authors: D Torre, F Speranza, R Martegani, C Zeroli, M Banfi, M Airoldi
• Journal: The Journal of infection (J Infect) Vol. 37 Issue 1 Pg. 15-8 (Jul 1998) ISSN: 0163-4453 [Print] England
• PMID: 9733371 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics

• AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections (drug therapy, parasitology)
• Adult
• Anti-Infective Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Retrospective Studies
• Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral (drug therapy, mortality)
• Treatment Outcome
• Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)