Virginia Research Day 2025

Medical Student Research Clinical

17 Association f Renal Failure with Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections in Patients Taking Fluoroquinolones

Lakshmi Divakaruni; Abdullah Mahmood; Fidel Martinez; Nishita Muppidi; Harry Trinh; Dr. Julie Kidd; Dr. James Mahaney; Leona Jafari; Ramzi Badra Corresponding author: ldivakaruni@vcom.edu

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus

Fluoroquinolones are commonly prescribed antibiotics in the United States, but they are associated with numerous side effects, notably tendon rupture and aortic aneurysms and dissections. In the last two decades, the FDA has increased Boxed Warnings on fluoroquinolone prescriptions and recommended that providers outweigh the risks and benefits before prescribing this medication class. Though fluoroquinolone prescriptions have declined in recent years, it is still important to study potential side effects because many patients, often with co morbid conditions, still use these medications. Past

research has found an association between early fluoroquinolone use and elderly female patients with both tendon ruptures and aortic aneurysms and dissections. This study examines the association between renal failure and aortic aneurysms and dissections in patients taking fluoroquinolones. It is crucial to study this association due to the mortality rates of ruptured aortic aneurysms and dissections. To perform this study, we will use participant data from the All of Us Research Hub, and GFR values are used as a measure of renal function. We will first assess

the potential confounding effects including age and smoking status. We will then analyze the relationship between GFR and aortic aneurysms and hypothesize that reduced renal function may increase the risk of aneurysms in those using fluoroquinolones. Our findings will provide crucial insights into how renal failure may influence cardiovascular-associated risks with fluoroquinolone use.

IRB Pending

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