Two cases of fatal Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia as a complication of tacrolimus therapy in ulcerative colitis--a need for prophylaxis

M Escher; E F Stange; K R Herrlinger

doi:10.1016/j.crohns.2010.05.004

Two cases of fatal Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia as a complication of tacrolimus therapy in ulcerative colitis--a need for prophylaxis

J Crohns Colitis. 2010 Nov;4(5):606-9. doi: 10.1016/j.crohns.2010.05.004. Epub 2010 Jun 15.

Authors

M Escher¹, E F Stange, K R Herrlinger

Affiliation

¹ Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Stuttgart, Germany. markus.escher@rbk.de

PMID: 21122569
DOI: 10.1016/j.crohns.2010.05.004

Abstract

Here we report 2 cases of fatal Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with severe ulcerative colitis receiving combination immunosuppression including tacrolimus. We discuss the necessity of a P. jirovecii prophylaxis especially in elderly patients according to the European evidence-based consensus on the prevention and management of opportunistic infections in inflammatory bowel disease.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Aged
Colitis, Ulcerative / complications*
Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy*
Colitis, Ulcerative / immunology
Colitis, Ulcerative / microbiology
Fatal Outcome
Humans
Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects*
Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
Male
Opportunistic Infections / complications*
Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis
Opportunistic Infections / immunology
Pneumocystis carinii / isolation & purification*
Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / complications*
Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / diagnosis
Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / immunology
Risk Factors
Tacrolimus / adverse effects*

Substances

Immunosuppressive Agents
Tacrolimus