Fluoroquinolones and arthropathy in children

Letters

CJEM 2008;10(3):196-197

To the editor: The present study by Forsythe and Ernst1 did not take into consideration the difference between the various quinolones as far as the occurrence of arthropathy is concerned. Among the quinolones, significant differences have been observed between agents, with levofloxacin and pefloxacin being associated with more arthropathy than ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, moxifloxacin and rufloxacin (p < 0.01).2 Also, the cumulative dose at which arthropathy occurs is not clear from this article.

Akashdeep Singh, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pulmonary Medicine
Christian Medical College and Hospital
Ludhiana, India

References

1. Forsythe CT, Ernst ME. Do fluoroquinolones commonly cause arthropathy in children? CJEM 2007;9:459-62.
2. Leone R, Venegoni M, Motola D, et al. Adverse drug reactions related to the use of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials: an analysis of spontaneous reports and fluoroquinolone consumption data from three Italian regions. Drug Saf 2003; 26: 109-20.