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Relationship Between Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine Use and Hearing Disorders: A Systematic Review and
Maria Renata José1,2, Jéssica da Silva Ortega3, Jordana Batista Correia Baran2,4
1Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil.
Journal of Audiology & Otology
|February 21, 2024
Summary
This systematic review found no significant association between chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine use and hearing disorders. Further research is needed due to very low certainty of evidence regarding auditory system side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Otolaryngology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are 4-aminoquinoline derivatives used for malaria and autoimmune diseases.
- Auditory system side effects are frequently reported for these medications.
- A systematic review is needed to evaluate the evidence linking these drugs to hearing disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on hearing disorders in patients using chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.
- To assess the association between the use of these 4-aminoquinoline derivatives and audiological alterations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review including observational and interventional studies.
- Audiological assessment data from participants using chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine.
- Methodological quality assessed using the Meta-Analysis of Statistics: assessment and review Instrument.
- Certainty of evidence evaluated using the GRADE tool.
Main Results:
- 17 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, with 5 in the meta-analysis.
- No statistically significant odds ratio for hearing disorders was found (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.41-1.39).
- Low heterogeneity (I2=0%) was observed across studies.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence suggests no association between chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine use and hearing disorders.
- The certainty of evidence was rated as very low due to risk of bias, indirectness, and imprecision.
- Further high-quality research is recommended to confirm these findings.
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