Levofloxacin and Severe Hypoglycaemia Leading to Quadriplegia
Author Information
Author(s): Vallurupalli S, Huesmann G, Gregory J, Jakoby M G IV
Primary Institution: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign
Hypothesis
Can fluoroquinolone antibiotics like levofloxacin cause severe hypoglycaemia and subsequent neurological complications?
Conclusion
Fluoroquinolones can lead to severe hypoglycaemia, which may result in serious neurological conditions like central pontine myelinolysis and quadriplegia.
Supporting Evidence
- Severe hypoglycaemia occurred despite total parenteral nutrition and cessation of insulin therapy.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a high-intensity lesion in the central pons consistent with central pontine myelinolysis.
- Fluoroquinolone-associated hypoglycaemia and hypoglycaemia-induced quadriplegia are both rare.
Takeaway
This study talks about a man who got very low blood sugar from a medicine called levofloxacin, which made him unable to move his arms and legs.
Methodology
Case report of a single patient experiencing severe hypoglycaemia and neurological complications after levofloxacin treatment.
Limitations
Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
63-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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