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Pneumocystis Pneumonia and the Rheumatologist: Which Patients Are At Risk and How Can PCP Be Prevented?

  • Infection and Arthritis (K Winthrop, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Immunosuppressive therapy for connective tissue diseases (CTDs) is steadily becoming more intense. The resultant impairment in cell-mediated immunity has been accompanied by an increasing risk for opportunistic infection (OI). Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) has been recognized as an OI in patients with CTDs, but specific risk factors and precise indications for PCP prophylaxis remain poorly defined. This review was undertaken to update information on the risk of PCP in patients with CTDs and to examine current guidelines for PCP prophylaxis in this population.

Recent Findings

Data on the occurrence of PCP and indications for prophylaxis in patients with CTDs is sparse. Large systematic reviews did not incorporate patients with CTD secondary to the lack of randomized control trials. Upon reviewing guidelines published since 2015, prophylaxis for PCP is recommended only for patients with ANCA-positive vasculitis, specifically granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), who are undergoing intense induction therapy.

Summary

Evidence-based recommendations for the prophylaxis of PCP in patients with CTDs cannot be provided. There is expert consensus that PCP prophylaxis is warranted in patients with GPA undergoing induction therapy. Prophylaxis should perhaps also be considered for other CTD patients who are receiving similar intense immunosuppressive therapy especially if they are lymphopenic or have a low CD4 count.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wake Forest Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA

    Rachel M. Wolfe

  2. Wake Forest Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Infectious Disease, Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA

    James E. Peacock Jr

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  1. Rachel M. Wolfe
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Rachel M. Wolfe and James E. Peacock, Jr. declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Wolfe, R.M., Peacock, J.E. Pneumocystis Pneumonia and the Rheumatologist: Which Patients Are At Risk and How Can PCP Be Prevented?. Curr Rheumatol Rep 19, 35 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-017-0664-6

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