Furosemide Linked to Fractures in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Risk for fracture was 87% higher in adherent furosemide users than in matched nonusers.

Furosemide, a diuretic frequently prescribed for children with heart disease, is known to increase urinary excretion of calcium and is suspected to be associated with bone fractures in adults.

To determine whether furosemide use is associated with fractures in children, investigators reviewed data in the Texas Medicaid Database from 2008 through 2014 on 3912 patients (<12 years old) with congenital heart defects (CHD), cardiomyopathy, or heart failure. Of these, 254 (6%) were adherent furosemide users (≥70% medication possession ratio), 724 (19%) were nonadherent users (<70% MPR), and 2934 (75%) were propensity-score–matched nonusers. Few other diuretics were coadministered.

Results at a median follow-up of about 3 years were as follows:

Incid…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

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