We conducted a retrospective, clinical evaluation of
connective tissue disease (CTD) patients who were tested for either sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid Pneumocystis polymerase chain reaction (PC-PCR) and analyzed the risk factors that cause
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) susceptibility and fatality. PC-PCR was performed on 66 CTD patients who presented with symptoms, data, or radiological findings strongly suggesting respiratory
infection. Patients with higher oral
corticosteroid doses, use of oral
methotrexate (MTX), bilateral lung findings, positive beta-
D-glucan, and no prophylaxis use were more susceptible to PCP. They had significantly low
immunoglobulin G and significantly high beta-
D-glucan and
lactate dehydrogenase. Survivors and nonsurvivors of PCP were also evaluated. Poor prognoses were observed with older age, elevated beta-
D-glucan,
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using MTX,
hypoxemia, bilateral lung findings, and
mechanical ventilation use. Nonsurvivors had significantly lower lymphocytes, oxygen saturation, and significantly higher beta-
D-glucan. In RA, poor prognoses were seen with those taking MTX. Disease duration, underlying pulmonary complications, and oral
corticosteroid doses did not lead to poor prognoses in RA. Because PCP in CTD leads to abrupt onset of symptoms with poor survival rates, early diagnosis and initiation of treatment are critical, and it is essential for clinicians to recognize risk factors that predispose patients to PCP and its mortality.