Correlation Between Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia and Elevated Serum Levels of Lactate Dehydrogenase in HIV

Author

Elizabeth Vania, Tutik Kusmiati
Departemen Pulmonologi dan Kedokteran Respirasi Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Airlangga, RSUD Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya

Abstract
Background: Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii. The diagnosis of PCP is difficult since causative organism can not be cultured, and the diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and investigation among others Gomori methenamine silver staining and levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
Methods: Between October 2015 to February 2016. In this study 13 HIV subjects with suspected PCP underwent bronchoscopy procedures and broncho- alveolar lavage fluid (BAL) was stained with Gomori methenamine silver in UPIPI room Dr. Soetomo hospital, Surabaya. Serum LDH level was also evaluated.
Results: We found elevated levels of serum LDH >220 U/l in all subjects with a mean of 554.62±376.707 U/l and negative results for Gomori methenamine silver staining.
Conslusion: No significant association in Gomori methenamine silver staining results and elevated serum levels of LDH in PCP suspect HIV ptients. (J Respir Indo. 2017; 37: 96-101)
Keywords: PCP, HIV, Pneumocystis jirovecii, LDH, Gomori methenamine silver

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