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Risk factors associated with increased discontinuation rate of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole used as a primary prophylaxis for Pneumocystis pneumonia: A retrospective cohort study

T. Otani, K. Yamaguchi, S. Sakamoto, Y. Horimasu, T. Masuda, S. Miyamoto, T. Nakashima, H. Iwamoto et al.

Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2021

244 participants · 5 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) prophylaxis is often discontinued owing to adverse drug reactions. Half-dosage of TMP-SMX (40/200 mg daily) is considered more tolerable than the conventional dosage (80/400 mg daily). However, patient background characteristics that are associated with the discontinuation of TMP-SMX prophylaxis and suitable for reduced dosage remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the risk factors for the discontinuation of and efficacy of different doses of TMP-SMX prophylaxis in patients with creatinine clearance higher than 30 mL/min.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 318 immunocompromised non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients (194 men and 124 women; median age, 68.5 [interquartile range, 59-75] years) who underwent TMP-SMX therapy as a primary PcP prophylaxis between July 2014 and August 2019. The patients were segregated into two groups on the basis of dosage: single-strength (SS; n = 244) and half-strength (HS; n = 74) groups. We evaluated PcP occurrence, TMP-SMX discontinuation rate, and discontinuation-related risk factors in these groups.

RESULTS

PcP did not occur in either group. The univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models revealed that the SS dosage and renal function (e.g. serum creatinine and creatinine clearance) were independently associated with prophylaxis discontinuation. At 24 weeks, the HS group presented significantly…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 244 participants or records.

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