Jin-chuan Zhang1, Jian-ye Dai, Jin Fan, Xue-ping Wu. 1. Department of Respiratory Medicine in South Building, the General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, China.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the treatment with caspofungin of pneumocystis Carinii pneumonia (PCP) in elderly patients. METHODS: A 93 year old male patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in mechanical ventilation for 25 months. PCP was diagnosed and treated with trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole compound (SMZ/TMP) and caspofungin. RESULTS: The diagnosis of PCP was confirmed by clinical features, radiographic abnormalities and sputum smear Giemsa stain PC (+) or PCR (+). SMZ/TMP was the first choice in treatment of PCP but caspofungin can be used in patients. SMZ/TMP had to be discontinued because of side effect or treatment failure. Caspofungin was effective and without any side effects in this patient. CONCLUSIONS: PCP is one of opportunistic infections in elderly patient admitted for long term mechanical ventilation. SMZ/TMP is the first choice for treatment but caspofungin may be an alternative.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the treatment with caspofungin of pneumocystis Carinii pneumonia (PCP) in elderly patients. METHODS: A 93 year old male patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in mechanical ventilation for 25 months. PCP was diagnosed and treated with trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole compound (SMZ/TMP) and caspofungin. RESULTS: The diagnosis of PCP was confirmed by clinical features, radiographic abnormalities and sputum smear Giemsa stain PC (+) or PCR (+). SMZ/TMP was the first choice in treatment of PCP but caspofungin can be used in patients. SMZ/TMP had to be discontinued because of side effect or treatment failure. Caspofungin was effective and without any side effects in this patient. CONCLUSIONS: PCP is one of opportunistic infections in elderly patient admitted for long term mechanical ventilation. SMZ/TMP is the first choice for treatment but caspofungin may be an alternative.