Although aerosolized pentamidine is effective in limiting the occurrence of Pneumocystis carinii (PC) pneumonia, its use may actually be associated with preferentially manifested upper lobe pneumonia due to PC. This may be a function of the pattern of lung distribution of pentamidine by the conventional (Respirgard II) nebulizer. In this pilot study, tolerance of a new nebulizer (Babington model) will be assessed and compared with the conventional nebulizer. In addition, there will be an attempt to quantify pentamidine distribution geographically, using nuclear medicine scanning techniques and chemically, using bronchoalveolar lavage analysis. The goal of this prospective study is to determine the mode of nebulization that most effectively allows for equal pulmonary distribution of the drug, and, in doing so, is best tolerated by the patient. Efficacy is not being addressed in this study.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Clinical Center (CLC)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01CL000105-02
Application #
3837937
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Clinical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code