dihydroergotoxine and Pneumonia--Pneumocystis

There are two types of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. One is seen in premature and atrophic infants mainly during the 2nd to 6th month, with massive interstitial proliferation of plasmacells and acute respiratory crisis. The second typ is observed in immunodeficient children and adults with only little or no plasmacell infiltration due to the hypoimmune, hypoergic state. Pentamidine is the drug of choice in the therapy of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; in serious cases it will be combined with Pyrimethamine. The cocktail Hydergine + Promethazine proved good as a symptomical drug. There have been reports about recoveries in adults under the treatment with Pyrimethamamine + Sulfamethazole. This combination has been recommended as prophylaxis as well.

Topics: Age Factors; Dihydroergotoxine; Humans; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Infant; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Promethazine; Pyrimethamine; Sulfamethoxazole

Pentamidine is recommended for the therapy of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia either alone or, in severe cases, combined with pyrimethamine. Attention is drawn to the importance of supporting symptomatic treatment, particularly with the promethazine-Hydergine cocktail, and to the possibilities for general and drug prophylaxis.

Topics: Dihydroergotoxine; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Male; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Promethazine; Pyrimethamine

Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Dihydroergotoxine; Ergot Alkaloids; Oxytocics; Plasma Cells; Pneumonia; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis