Decision analysis: treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with AIDS.

Controversy exists as to the most appropriate drug for the initial treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Decision analysis can be used to evaluate the choice between parenteral pentamidine and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Sensitivity and threshold analyses illustrate how the choice is affected by the probabilities of success and adverse reactions, as well as by the values placed by the patient and practitioner on treatment outcomes. A test that predicts trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole toxicity may have potential benefit.