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Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was linked to fewer severe infections in IIM

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Research area:medicine-clinical

What the study found

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), an antibiotic often used to prevent Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, was associated with a lower risk of severe infections in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). The association was strongest for respiratory tract infections.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors suggest this matters because people with IIM are often treated with glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressants, which raise the risk of opportunistic infections. They conclude that TMP/SMX may help lower the risk of severe infections in this setting.

What the researchers tested

The researchers conducted a retrospective, single-center study of 89 patients with IIM who underwent remission induction therapy. After excluding 2 patients who developed Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, they analyzed 87 patients and used Cox regression analysis to look for risk factors for severe infection during follow-up.

What worked and what didn't

Sixteen patients developed severe infections other than Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, and respiratory infections were the most common. Patients who received TMP/SMX had a significantly lower incidence of severe infections and of respiratory tract infections than those who did not. In multivariate analysis, older age increased risk, while TMP/SMX use was associated with reduced risk.

What to keep in mind

This was a retrospective, single-center study, so the findings are based on one center's patient group. The abstract does not describe other limitations beyond the exclusion of 2 patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.

Key points

  • TMP/SMX use was associated with fewer severe infections in patients with IIM.
  • The reduction was also seen for respiratory tract infections.
  • Older age was linked to a higher risk of severe infection.
  • The study included 87 patients after excluding 2 who developed Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.
  • The analysis was retrospective, single-center, and used Cox regression.

Disclosure

Research title:
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was linked to fewer severe infections in IIM
Authors:
Masahiro Kogami, Yoshiyuki Abe, Taiki Ando, Ayako Makiyama, Ken Yamaji, Naoto Tamura
Institutions:
Artistic Realization Technologies, Artistic Realization Technologies, Artistic Realization Technologies, Artistic Realization Technologies, Artistic Realization Technologies, CITIC Group (China), CITIC Group (China), CITIC Group (China), CITIC Group (China), CITIC Group (China), Juntendo University, Juntendo University, Juntendo University, Juntendo University, Juntendo University, Juntendo University
Publication date:
2026-02-23
DOI:
10.1097/rhu.0000000000002325
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: This post was generated by gpt-5.4-mini (OpenAI). The original authors did not write or review this post.

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