Prostaglandin analogues signal detection by data mining in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database

This study aims to identify safety signals of ophthalmic prostaglandin analogues through data mining the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

A data mining search by proportional reporting ratio, reporting OR, Bayesian confidence propagation neural network, information component 0.25 and χ² for safety signals detection was conducted to the FAERS database for the following ophthalmic medications: latanoprost, travoprost, tafluprost and bimatoprost.

12 preferred terms were statistically associated: diabetes mellitus, n=2; hypoacusis, n=2; malignant mediastinal neoplasm, n=1; blood immunoglobulin E increased, n=1; cataract, n=1; blepharospasm, n=1; full blood count abnormal, n=1; skin exfoliation, n=1; chest discomfort, n=1; and dry mouth, n=1.

The FAERS database's limitations, such as the undetermined causality of cases, under-reporting and the lack of restriction to only health professionals reporting this type of event, could modify the statistical outcomes. These limitations are particularly relevant in the context of ophthalmic drug analysis, as they can affect the accuracy and reliability of the data, potentially leading to biased or incomplete results.

Our findings have revealed a potential relationship due to the biological plausibility among malignant mediastinal neoplasm, full blood count abnormal, blood immunoglobulin E increased, diabetes mellitus, blepharospasm, cataracts, chest discomfort and dry mouth; therefore, it is relevant to continue investigating the possible drug-event association, whether to refute the safety signal or identify a new risk.