[Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia during infliximab therapy].

Abstract

The treatment of ulcerative colitis has improved since the appearance of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors. However, the use of TNF-alpha inhibitors increases the risk of opportunistic infections. We describe two cases of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia during infliximab therapy for active ulcerative colitis. They were successfully treated with sulfametoxazole/trimetroprim. High awareness of P. jiroveci pneumonia in patients who develop pulmonary symptoms with hypoxia during TNF-alpha modulator therapy is recommended.

• Authors: Maria Eklund Josephson, Lena Hagelskjaer Kristensen, Vibeke Charlotte Andersen
• Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger) Vol. 170 Issue 24 Pg. 2159-60 (Jun 09 2008) ISSN: 1603-6824 [Electronic] Denmark
• Vernacular Title: Pneumocystepneumoni ved behandling med infliximab.
• PMID: 18565304 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Infliximab

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (adverse effects)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (adverse effects)
• Colitis, Ulcerative (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Infliximab
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Opportunistic Infections (microbiology)
• Pneumocystis carinii
• Pneumonia, Pneumocystis (diagnostic imaging, microbiology)
• Proctocolitis (drug therapy)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed