A Study of Two Forms of Pentamidine in HIV-Infected Children Who May Have Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia

Summary

To evaluate the delivery of a single dose of aerosolized pentamidine to children; to evaluate the tolerance of pentamidine administration by mask; to compare intravenous pentamidine first dose pharmacokinetics (blood levels) in children with information previously collected on adults; and to compare plasma pentamidine levels in children after an aerosolized treatment with levels previously collected on adults. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is the most common serious infection in children with AIDS and is associated with a high death rate. Current approved treatment includes intravenous trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole (TMP / SMX) and intravenous pentamidine, which are both effective in treatment of the first episode of PCP pneumonia. However, both therapies have a 50 percent or greater incidence of adverse reactions. Because of serious toxicities, drug treatment has had to be discontinued. Animal studies show that aerosolized pentamidine (pentamidine given through inhalation) is as effective as intravenous pentamidine. It is hoped that the aerosolized route will be less toxic than intravenous pentamidine. The study is the first step in evaluating the delivery of aerosolized pentamidine to children.

Timeline

Start

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Primary completion

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Completion

1996-09

Publications

• Background Conte JE Jr; Wara D. Pharmacokinetics of aerosolized pentamidine in children. Int Conf AIDS. 1993 Jun 6-11;9(1):381 (abstract no PO-B10-1477)
• Background Kreuz W, Gunguor T, Funk M, Ehrenforth S, Linde R, Lotz C, Kornhuber B. First experience with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia-prophylaxis by inhaled pentamidine in HIV-infected children. Int Conf AIDS. 1991 Jun 16-21;7(2):242 (abstract no WB2243)

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