Pentamidine for Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Pediatric Oncology Patients Receiving Immunosuppressive Chemotherapy

pneumonia is a life-threatening opportunistic infection in children receiving immunosuppressive chemotherapy. Without prophylaxis, up to 25% of pediatric oncology patients receiving chemotherapy will develop pneumonia. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the preferred agent for prophylaxis against pneumonia. Pentamidine may be an acceptable alternative for pediatric patients unable to tolerate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. A retrospective review was conducted of pediatric oncology patients who received ≥1 dose of pentamidine for pneumonia prophylaxis between January 2007 and August 2014. Electronic medical records were reviewed to determine the incidence of breakthrough pneumonia or discontinuation of pentamidine associated with adverse events. A total of 754 patients received pentamidine prophylaxis during the period. There were no cases of probable or proven pneumonia, and 4 cases (0.5%) of possible pneumonia. The incidence of possible breakthrough pneumonia was not significantly different between subgroups based on age (