A Study of Two Forms of Pentamidine in the Treatment of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP) in Patients With AIDS

Inhaled Versus Intravenous Pentamidine in Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

To compare parenteral versus inhaled pentamidine in patients with documented Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) with AIDS.

Exclusion Criteria

Co-existing Condition:

Patients with the following are excluded:

• Previous history of adverse reaction to pentamidine.
• History of asthma.
• Pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma.

Patients with the following are excluded:

• Previous history of adverse reaction to pentamidine.
• History of asthma.
• Pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma.
• Inability to understand the consent procedure.

All patients hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with AIDS and possible Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) will be eligible.

• Patients with HIV antibody or AIDS and a clinical presentation suggesting PCP are eligible.