Birth outcome following maternal use of fluoroquinolones

Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2001 Sep;18(3):259-62. doi: 10.1016/s0924-8579(01)00390-9.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine fetal risk associated with intrauterine exposure to fluoroquinolones. By using on record linkage between a Prescription Database and the Birth Registry in Denmark, the offspring of 57 users of fluoroquinolones and of 17259 patients who had no prescriptive medication during pregnancy, were compared in a cohort study. Among the users, the prevalence rate ratios of congenital abnormalities, preterm birth and low birth weight were 1.30 (95% CI: 0.30-5.30),1.53 (95% CI: 0.62-3.80) and 1.17 (95% CI: 0.15-8.90), respectively. The risk of congenital abnormalities among users of fluoroquinolones during pregnancy was close to unity. Despite these limitations of statistical analysis the study suggested that the use of fluoroquinolones during pregnancy may not be a major risk factor to the foetus.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / epidemiology
  • Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Denmark / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Fluoroquinolones / administration & dosage
  • Fluoroquinolones / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / chemically induced
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Prevalence
  • Registries*

Substances

  • Fluoroquinolones