Intermittent oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole on two non-consecutive days per week is effective as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis in pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) is a serious complication in patients receiving chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Current recommendations for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) dosing as PCP prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients are based on either daily dosing or dosing three consecutive days per week. We report our experience of prophylaxis with TMP-SMZ twice daily on two non-consecutive days per week in 145 immunocompromised children with hematologic disorders, cancer, or metabolic disorders following chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. There were no breakthrough cases of PCP. We therefore conclude our prophylaxis regimen is effective against PCP in immunocompromised children. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.