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Pneumocystis Jiroveci (Previously Known as Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia), Pediatric

Danna Tauber, MD, MPH Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Opportunistic lung infection caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci. This organism is currently considered a primitive fungus based on DNA sequence analysis. It has two developmental forms ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • In malnourished host

    • Subacute onset with nonspecific manifestations

      • Poor feeding, weight loss, and restlessness

      • Chronic diarrhea

      • Usually without fever

      • After 1 to 2 weeks, the patient devel...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Supply oxygen as necessary to keep Pao2 >70 mm Hg.

  • Mechanical ventilation must be considered if Pao2 is <60 mm Hg on FiO2 of 0.5.

MEDICATION

First Line

  • Minimum duration of ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • After 5 to 7 days of treatment

  • If no improvement, TMP-SMX should be replaced with pentamidine.

  • Standard precautions are required. Isolation from other immunodeficie...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • King SM; and American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Pediatric AIDS, American Academy of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committee. Evaluation and treatment of t...

CODES

ICD9

136.3 Pneumocystosis 

ICD10

B59 Pneumocystosis 

SNOMED

  • 75549005 Infection by Pneumocystis jiroveci

  • 420403001 Pneumocystosis associated with AIDS

  • 415125002 Pneumocystosis jiroveci pneumonia (disord...

FAQ

  • Q: Which are the most common side effects of pentamidine?

  • A: They include hypoglycemia, impaired renal or liver function, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, hypotension, and skin rashes. These ...

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