RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 FLUOROQUINOLONES IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: NO MORE “OFF-LABEL USE”
JF Archives of Disease in Childhood
JO Arch Dis Child
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
SP e1
OP e1
DO 10.1136/archdischild-2015-310148.58
VO 101
IS 1
A1 Natalie Dinavitser
A1 Maya Berlin
A1 Reuven Miller
A1 Victoriya Finkel-Pekarsky
A1 Matitiahu Berkovitch
YR 2016
UL http://adc.bmj.com/content/101/1/e1.54.abstract
AB Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are used in pediatric patients worldwide. However, due to cartilage damage in young animals they are not approved for children under 18 years of age for most indications. Major regulatory authorities such as EMA, FDA, UK, Ireland, NZ and Australia indicate that FQs are contraindicated in children. Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin can be prescribed to children, but only for a few indications. As a result, FQs are used “off-label” in this population. From our experience, we believe that FQs should not be contraindicated in children. However, evidence-based data is needed.Objective To investigate whether FQ use in children may cause musculoskeletal adverse reactions (ADRs).Methods We reviewed the Israel Ministry of Health ADR reporting system and VigiLyze (WHO reporting system) for musculoskeletal ADRs due to FQs in children. A literature search– Medline, Pubmed, Cochraine database and pharmacologic textbooks, for musculoskeletal ADRs among FQ treated pediatric patients was conducted. Terms used: Fluoroquinolones, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, arthropathy, tendinophaty, arthralgia, children, pediatric use.Results During the period 1968 to Feb 2015, the Israeli MOH did not receive spontaneous reports regarding FQs in children. The VigiLyze program identified 192 ADR reports in children related to FQs: arthralgia, arthropathy, myalgia, and tendon injury. Most ADRs were transient and reversible. The literature search indicated that although musculoskeletal ADRs are not uncommon, they are mild, transient, and not necessarily due to FQs. Joint MRI, performed in some of the studies, did not reveal cartilage damage.Conclusions FQs should be registered for pediatric patients as for adults.