Aerosolized pentamidine in HIV

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In more than 60% of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the initial opportunistic infection is Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Another 20% contract it later in the course of the disease, and recurrence is common. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of aerosolized pentamidine for the prevention of this disease in high-risk patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Dr Sarti explains the status of this therapy, the most effective delivery system, and the administration protocol.