Fluoroquinolones and Risk for Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection

Two studies suggest that this previously reported association is marginal, at best.

Cohort-study evidence suggests fluoroquinolone use might be associated with excess risk for aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection (AA/AD; NEJM JW Gen Med Jun 1 2018 and BMJ 2018; 360:k678). In two studies, researchers evaluated this possible association.

In a Taiwanese case-control study, researchers matched 29,000 new AA/AD cases with 289,000 controls. Adjusted for numerous variables, excess risk for AA/AD was present for patients with any infection for which fluoroquinolones were indicated (odds ratio, 1.7); however, compared with amoxicillin-clavulanate, ampicillin-sulbactam, or cephalosporin use, fluoroquinolone use was not associated with excess AA/AD risk.

In a cohort study, researchers used a U.S. commercial claims database and identifi…

Reviewing Author

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Fluoroquinolones and Risk for Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection

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Reviewing Author