This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose versus standard-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for the prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in kidney transplant recipients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either low-dose or standard-dose TMP-SMX for 12 months after kidney transplantation. The primary outcome is the incidence of PJP during the prophylaxis period. Secondary outcomes include adverse events related to TMP-SMX, dose reduction or discontinuation rates, incidence and timing of PJP after discontinuation, and other post-transplant complications. Participants will be followed for a total of 24 months, including a 12-month prophylaxis period and an additional 12-month follow-up period after discontinuation. This study aims to provide evidence for optimizing prophylactic strategies against PJP in kidney transplant recipients.
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) remains a significant opportunistic infection in kidney transplant recipients and continues to pose a major clinical challenge. Although trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is widely used for prophylaxis, its tolerability is often limited by adverse effects, which may compromise adherence during long-term use. Therefore, identifying an optimal dosing strategy that maintains efficacy while improving safety is of considerable clinical importance. This multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial is designed to compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose versus standard-dose TMP-SMX for PJP prophylaxis after kidney transplantation. Adult kidney transplant recipients with stable renal function after transplantation will be enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a low-dose or standard-dose TMP-SMX regimen for 12 months following transplantation. The primary outcome is the incidence of PJP during the 12-month prophylaxis period. Secondary outcomes include treatment-related adverse events, rates of dose modification or discontinuation, and the occurrence and timing of PJP after cessation of prophylaxis, as well as other post-transplant clinical outcomes. All participants will be followed for a total of 24 months, including a 12-month treatment period and an additional follow-up period after discontinuation. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence to inform optimal prophylactic strategies for PJP in kidney transplant recipients, with the aim of improving both efficacy and safety in clinical practice.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,084
80/400 mg orally once daily for 12 consecutive months for the prophylaxis
40/200 mg orally once daily for 12 consecutive months for the prophylaxis
Incidence of Pneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia (PJP) during the 12-month prophylaxis period after kidney transplantation
The frequency of newly diagnosed Pneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia (PJP) cases occurring within 12 months after kidney transplantation in each group. Diagnosis is confirmed by clinical symptoms, radiological evidence, and microbiological detection (e.g., PCR or staining).
Time frame: 12 months post-kidney transplantation
Incidence of TMP-SMX related adverse events during prophylaxis
Frequency of adverse events (AEs) associated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) during the 12-month prophylaxis period. AEs include but are not limited to rash, gastrointestinal intolerance, hematologic abnormalities (e.g., leukopenia), and hepatorenal dysfunction.
Time frame: 12 months post-kidney transplantation
Incidence of PJP during the 1-year follow-up after prophylaxis
Frequency of PJP cases, with PJP onset defined as the date of obtaining microbiological evidence, during the 12-month period following completion of prophylaxis.
Time frame: 12 to 24 months post-kidney transplantation
Incidence of other post-transplant complications
Frequency of other clinically significant complications occurring within 12 months post-transplant, including: Other infections (excluding PJP): bacterial, viral (e.g., CMV, BK virus), fungal, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal infections. Acute rejection episodes. New-onset hypertension or diabetes mellitus.
Time frame: 12 months post-kidney transplantation
Clinical prognosis of patients diagnosed with PJP
Clinical outcomes among participants who develop PJP, including: Rate of invasive mechanical ventilation (intubation). Rate of ICU admission. All-cause mortality. Graft survival rate.
Time frame: 24 months post-kidney transplantation
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