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Published on: April 26, 2012
Ciprofloxacin-associated Peripheral Neuropathy in a Child: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Carla Morley1, Carla Carvalho de Almeida2, Susan Moloney1,3
1From the Department of Paediatrics, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
Fluoroquinolones can cause severe nerve damage in adults. A case study shows this antibiotic class may also induce peripheral neuropathy in children, which resolved after stopping the drug.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Peripheral nerve toxicity is a known adverse effect of fluoroquinolones in adults.
- Data regarding fluoroquinolone-induced neurotoxicity in pediatric populations are limited.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old boy presented with acute-onset peripheral neuropathy.
- Symptoms included severe dysesthesia and erythema affecting both hands and feet.
Findings:
- The patient was administered ciprofloxacin, a common fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
- Neuropathy symptoms resolved rapidly upon discontinuation of ciprofloxacin therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for fluoroquinolones to cause peripheral neuropathy in children.
- Prompt recognition and drug cessation may lead to favorable outcomes in pediatric fluoroquinolone neurotoxicity.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the incidence and long-term effects of fluoroquinolone neurotoxicity in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Fluoroquinolones are reported to have peripheral nerve toxic effects that can be severe and permanent in adults. However, limited data exist for children. We describe a case of acute-onset peripheral neuropathy associated with ciprofloxacin in a 13-year-old boy who was characterized by severe dysesthesia and erythema of both hands and feet, but which resolved promptly after ceasing the antibiotic.
