Pentamidine aerosol increases the number of alveolar macrophages in HIV-infected patients.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Pentamidine aerosol increases the number of alveolar macrophages in HIV-infected patients.

AIDS. 1991 Sep;5(9):1099-102. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/92029726
Wassermann K; Schell-Frederick E; Eckert G; Don M; Pothoff G; Hilger HH; 3rd Medical Department, University of Cologne, Germany.

Abstract: In order to determine the possible effect of aerosolized pentamidine on the cellular composition of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in HIV-infected patients, differential counts of 22 consecutive patients who had been rebronchoscopied after 3-19 months were reviewed. Eleven patients were started on pentamidine prophylaxis subsequent to their first presentation. Eleven patients had never taken pentamidine or had discontinued the prophylactic regimen. Compared to first bronchoscopy, the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from patients on regular prophylaxis revealed a significant increase in absolute alveolar macrophage (AM) counts at second presentation (20.8 +/- 11.2 to 50.3 +/- 39.4 x 10(5) cells/100 ml BAL; P less than 0.01). The AM counts of those without pentamidine remained essentially unchanged. Lymphocytes, including CD4 and CD8 subtypes, and neutrophils did not change over time in either group. The results of this retrospective analysis suggest that, in addition to its antimicrobial action, pentamidine may modulate local lung defence mechanisms, particularly by increasing the absolute number of AM.

Keywords: Administration, Inhalation Adult Aerosols Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/*PATHOLOGY Bronchoscopy Cell Count/DRUG EFFECTS Human HIV/IMMUNOLOGY HIV Infections/*COMPLICATIONS/IMMUNOLOGY Lung Diseases/*DRUG THERAPY Macrophages, Alveolar/*DRUG EFFECTS Male Middle Age Pentamidine/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/*THERAPEUTIC USE Pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii/DRUG THERAPY Recurrence Retrospective Studies JOURNAL ARTICLE
920228
M9220837

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