[Fluoroquinolone-associated disability after taking ciprofloxacin].

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cellular Biology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, are widely prescribed antibiotics.
• Reported side effects encompass tendinopathies, arrhythmias, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms.
• Fluoroquinolone-associated disability involves multi-systemic symptoms and persistent effects post-antibiotic discontinuation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of fluoroquinolone-associated disability.
• To investigate the potential pathophysiology involving the redox system.
• To document clinical presentation and biochemical findings.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 41-year-old patient experiencing Achilles tendon pain after ciprofloxacin use.
• Clinical evaluation including emergency presentation, chronic pain development, paresthesia, and palpitations.
• Diagnostic imaging (MRI) of Achilles tendons and blood sample analysis for intracellular markers.

Main Results:

• Patient developed chronic, disabling Achilles tendon pain, paresthesia, and palpitations after ciprofloxacin treatment.
• MRI revealed minimal peritendinitis and Achilles tendon irritation.
• Blood tests suggested intracellular damage, showing low intracellular ATP and coenzyme Q10 levels.

Conclusions:

• Ciprofloxacin can lead to significant, long-term disability with multi-systemic manifestations.
• Pathophysiology may involve damage to the cellular redox system, indicated by reduced ATP and CoQ10.
• Further research into fluoroquinolone toxicity mechanisms is warranted.