Performance of an algorithm to detect Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in symptomatic HIV-infected persons

Laurence Huang, John Stansell, Dennis Osmond, Joan Turner, Kimberly Page Shafer, William Fulkerson, Paul Kvale, Jeanne Wallace, Mark Rosen, Jeffrey Glassroth, Lee Reichman, Philip Hopewell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Study objectives: To determine whether an algorithm consisting of a chest radiograph and the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is effective in detecting Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in symptomatic HIV-infected persons; and to establish a benchmark for future comparisons of alternative algorithms. Design: Prospective, 64-month study. Setting: Multicenter, ambulatory care. Patients: 306 HIV-infected subjects enrolled in the Pulmonary Complications of HIV Infection Study who developed 467 episodes of new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Measurements: Chest radiography followed by DLCO measurement, if the radiograph was normal or unchanged. Results: An algorithm combining a chest radiograph followed by a DLCO measurement, if the radiograph was normal or unchanged, was effective and detected abnormalities that led to a diagnosis of PCP in 78 of 80 evaluable episodes (97.5%). The radiograph (specific parenchymal abnormality, number of lung zones involved) and the DLCO (degree of decrease, degree of decrease from baseline) also provided additional information on the probability of PCP. Conclusions: In symptomatic HIV-infected patients respected of having PCP, the diagnostic evaluation should begin with a chest radiograph, followed by a DLCO measurement, if the radiograph is normal or unchanged. If both of these tests are normal, it may be reasonable to conclude the evaluation rather than to proceed on to additional testing. This algorithm can serve as a benchmark for future comparisons.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1025-1032
Number of pages8
JournalChest
Volume115
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

Keywords

  • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
  • Human immunodeficiency virus
  • Lung radiography
  • Opportunistic infections
  • Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
  • Respiratory function tests

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