Clinical analysis of pneumocystis pneumonia after kidney transplantation: a report of 13 cases / 中华器官移植杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) after kidney transplantation.Methods:From January 2020 to January 2022, clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for 13 renal transplant recipients with pneumocystis pneumonia diagnosed by metagenomics next generation sequencing (mNGS). There were 3 females and 10 males with an age range of (46±10) years.The median time of postoperative onset was 10(2-21) months; The major clinical manifestations included fever ( n=11), cough ( n=7), expectoration ( n=6) and dyspnea ( n=11). Paired t-test was employed for analyzing the laboratory results at admission and discharge. Results:The diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of NGS in alveolar lavage fluid or venous blood.The levels of G test, LDH test, total T lymphocyte absolute count (CD3+ Abs), inhibitory/cytotoxic T lymphocyte count (CD3+ CD8+ Abs) and auxiliary/induced T lymphocyte absolute count (CD3+ CD4+ Abs) were (543.27±440.49) pg/ml, (529.98±222.43)U/L and (191.92±119.42)/μl, (87.33±50.59)/μl and (106.92±87.42)/μl at admission and (69.58±50.21) pg/ml, (285.38±46.62 U/L), (888.58±672.99)/μl, (336.83±305.21)/μl and (520.08±388.76)/μl at discharge.The differences were statistically significant ( P<0.001, P=0.002, 0.006, 0.017, 0.005). All of them received compound sulfamethoxazole and caspofungin.Except for one death due to septic shock after 21-day treatment, 12 cases were cured. Conclusions:mNGS test is one of the important tool for an early diagnosis of PCP.Combined use of compound sulfamethoxazole and caspofungin is an effective anti-infective regimen.And immune function monitoring is vital for adjusting antibiotic and immunosuppressive regimens.