Pneumonia in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND

To describe the clinical presentations, treatment regimen, and outcomes of pneumonia (PJP) among immunocompromised patients at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Saudi Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of PJP were included.

RESULTS

During the study, 42 patients with confirmed PJP were identified. Twenty (48%) patients were HIV-infected, while 22 (52%) were HIV negative. The median T-cell count (CD ) was below 50 cells/mL in HIV patients with PJP at the time of HIV and PJP diagnoses. Graft rejection, cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, and lymphopenia were associated with the development of PJP in transplant recipients; and high-dose steroids for non-transplant patients. The all-cause mortality at 90 days was lower in individuals with HIV-related PJP, compared to those with other predisposing conditions (10% and 32%, respectively; P=0.085). No specific risk factors were independently associated with the increased risk of mortality.

CONCLUSION

PJP remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, with a higher mortality rate reported in non-HIV patients.