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Long-term Cardiovascular Adverse Events Induced by Fluoroquinolones: A Retrospective Case-control Study

Algaidi SH, Alghamdi DI, Algheffari SG, Alzahrani RA, Thabit AK, Hafiz AM

Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 2023

373 participants · 2 citations

Abstract

Abstract: A correlation is already established between fluoroquinolones (FQs) use and cardiovascular events (CVEs), such as QT prolongation; however, serious events such as aortic aneurysm and valve regurgitation have also been reported with FQs. Several unstudied factors could contribute to the development of different CVEs that were not previously evaluated with FQ therapy. Therefore, we aimed to assess the incidence of different serious CVEs after completion of FQ therapy and potential associating factors. This was a retrospective case–control study of inpatients who received ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin for ≥3 days. Patients' echocardiograms were evaluated for the development of aortic or valvular disease or worsening of an existing condition after completion of therapy. Of 373 included patients, 83 developed new valvular disease or worsening of an existing disease, where tricuspid valve regurgitation was the most common CVE (50/83; 60.2%), followed by mitral valve diseases (48/83; 57.8%). Aortic valve regurgitation occurred more commonly with moxifloxacin compared with ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin (17.8% vs. 6.7% and 10.7%, respectively; P = 0.01). Median time to CVE detection ranged 93–166 days for all FQs. The receipt of moxifloxacin and elevated baseline QT interval were associated with an increased CVEs risk (adjusted odds ratio 3.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–8.11 and adjusted odds ratio 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.04, respectively).…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 373 participants or records.

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