Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available to our patients. Sign up for Connect today to schedule your vaccination.

Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: toward a standard of care.

TitleProphylaxis against Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: toward a standard of care.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsPoppers DM, Scherl EJ
JournalInflamm Bowel Dis
Volume14
Issue1
Pagination106-13
Date Published2008 Jan
ISSN1078-0998
KeywordsAdrenal Cortex Hormones, Azathioprine, Chemoprevention, Humans, Immunocompromised Host, Immunosuppressive Agents, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Pneumonia, Pneumocystis
Abstract

Patients with Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis are increasingly treated with a host of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive medications, including thiopurines and antibody-based biologic agents. Despite the known infectious complications associated with these therapies from the HIV and solid organ transplant literature, there are currently no well-defined concise guidelines to assist gastroenterologists and other physicians in the utility and indication for prophylaxis against Pneumocystis pneumonia and other infections in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. In this article, we discuss the evidence of various infections associated with immunocompromise in HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, and in other immunocompromised states, and discuss the evidence for the efficacy and safety of various infectious prophylaxis protocols. In addition, we discuss the evidence for Pneumocystis and other infections in IBD patients treated with corticosteroids, azathioprine/6-MP, biologic agents and other therapies, and we present the case for various antibiotic (and antiviral) regimens to prevent such infections. Based on the review of the literature, this discussion represents a true call for guidelines for infection prophylaxis, to help guide gastroenterologists and all practitioners who care for the challenging population of IBD patients.

DOI10.1002/ibd.20261
Alternate JournalInflamm. Bowel Dis.
PubMed ID17886285