Relationship between fluoroquinolones and the risk of aortic diseases: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Our aim was to determine the relationship between the use of fluoroquinolones and the risk of aortic diseases.

PubMed, EMBASE and the Web of Science were searched from inception to July 6, 2019, to identify observational studies that evaluated the risk of aortic diseases associated in users of fluoroquinolones compared with nonusers or users of other antibiotics. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of aortic diseases. We used the GRADE approach to rate the strength of evidence. We used the inverse variance method random-effect model to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs, and statistical heterogeneity was assessed by the I² statistic.

This meta-analysis enrolled 2,829,385 patients reported the relationship between fluoroquinolones and the risk of aortic diseases. Compared with nonusers or users of other antibiotics, users of fluoroquinolone had a significantly increased risk of aortic diseases (adjusted OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.65-2.68; P = .000, I² = 16.4%). The quality of evidence was moderate, and the number needed to harm (NNH) for aortic diseases among patients was estimated to be 1301.

The fluoroquinolone use in patients significantly increases the risk of new-onset aortic diseases. Clinicians need to pay attention to these severe adverse events when considering fluoroquinolone use.