[Hydroxychloroquine-induced hearing loss: First case of positive rechallenge and analysis of the French pharmacovigilance database]

Rev Med Interne. 2017 May;38(5):340-343. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2016.07.008. Epub 2016 Oct 13.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Several cases of hearing loss induced by hydroxychloroquine have been reported in the literature but the role of hydroxychloroquine still remains debated.

Case report: We report the first case, to our knowledge, of hearing loss induced by hydroxychloroquine with a positive re challenge in a woman treated for systemic lupus. An analysis of the French pharmacovigilance database allowed to identify 23 additional cases of hearing loss in patients treated with hydroxychloroquine and, among them, 8 had systemic lupus.

Conclusion: Despite an excellent tolerance and high efficacy-side effect ratio, this case report adds some evidence for an otoxicity of hydroxychloroquine.

Keywords: Adverse drug reaction; Effet indésirable; Hearing loss; Hydroxychloroquine; Lupus; Perte d’audition; Surdité.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Databases, Factual*
  • Female
  • France
  • Hearing Loss / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Pharmacovigilance*

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Hydroxychloroquine