Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis with atovaquone in trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-intolerant orthotopic liver transplant patients: a preliminary study

Liver Transpl. 2001 Aug;7(8):750-1. doi: 10.1053/jlts.2001.26433.

Abstract

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection associated with increased morbidity and mortality in solid-organ and bone-marrow transplant recipients. Side effects of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) are frequent; therefore, we performed a preliminary study using atovaquone suspension, 750 mg once daily, for 1 year for the prevention of PCP in liver transplant recipients intolerant to TMP/SMX therapy. Twenty-eight patients were treated, and data were analyzed for efficacy and toxicity. Adverse events occurred in 14 subjects, mainly related to the gastrointestinal tract. Side effects from TMP/SMX, i.e., rash, completely resolved and bone-marrow suppression improved in 62% of patients. No patients developed Pneumocystis carinii infection. Although a lower dose of atovaquone once daily may be effective in transplant recipients, further studies are necessary to confirm this preliminary observation. Liver Transpl 2001;7:750-751.)

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Atovaquone
  • Bone Marrow / drug effects
  • Drug Eruptions
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Naphthoquinones / adverse effects
  • Naphthoquinones / therapeutic use*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / prevention & control*
  • Postoperative Care*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retreatment
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Naphthoquinones
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
  • Atovaquone