American researchers have investigated the possible complications associated with the use of several classes of antibiotics known to be harmful to myasthenia gravis patients:
- data from patients followed between 2002 and 2022 in Cleveland (USA) and taking ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin (both fluoroquinolones) or azithromycin, were analysed retrospectively.
- The main endpoint was the occurrence of decompensation of myasthenia during the course of these prescriptions.
- A total of 365 patients were selected, corresponding to 918 such prescriptions,
- the frequency of complications proved to be well below the commonly accepted figures,
- even when compared with the use of amoxicillin.
With fewer than 2.5% of cases of complications reported, the risk appears to be significantly lower. Caution is still called for, however.
