Two cases of fatal Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia as a complication of tacrolimus therapy in ulcerative colitis--a need for prophylaxis.

Here we report 2 cases of fatal Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with severe ulcerative colitis receiving combination immunosuppression including tacrolimus. We discuss the necessity of a P. jirovecii prophylaxis especially in elderly patients according to the European evidence-based consensus on the prevention and management of opportunistic infections in inflammatory bowel disease.
(Copyright © 2010 European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)