Birth outcome following maternal use of fluoroquinolones

The aim of the study was to examine fetal risk associated with intrauterine exposure to fluoroquinolones. By using on record linkage between a Prescri ption Database and the Birth Registry in Denmark, the offspring of 57 users of fluoroquinolones and Of 17 259 patients who had no prescriptive medicat ion during pregnancy, were compared in a cohort study. Among the users, the prevalence rate ratios of congenital abnormalities, preterm birth and low birth weight were 1.30 (95% Cl: 0.30-5.30), 1.53 (95% CI: 0.62-3.80) and 1. 17 (95% CI: 0.15-8.90), respectively. The risk of congenital abnormalities among users of fluoroquinolones during pregnancy was close to unity. Despit e these limitations of statistical analysis the study suggested that the us e of fluoroquinolones during pregnancy may not be a major risk factor to th e foetus. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. and International Society of Chemo therapy. All rights reserved.