Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), the severe and fatal opportunistic infection in HIV-infected infants, continues to be a major cause of death (30-40% mortality rates). Combined treatment of PJP and HIV together is a herculean task for doctors. The article outlines treatment recommendations for PJP in pediatric patients. The highest incidence of PJP occurs in infants (<1 year) with cases peaking at ages 3 to 6 months.
Standard treatment implemented for adults has to be tailored for pediatric patients by considering differences between adults and children in terms of drug pharmacokinetics, dosing, formulations, administration, and toxicities. First choice treatment TMP-SMX 3.75–5 mg/kg body weight/dose TMP (based on TMP component) every 6 hours IV or orally given for 21 days is the recommended treatment for PJP (followed by secondary prophylaxis dosing). Special comment After acute…
