Comparison of Fluoroquinolone Versus Non-Fluoroquinolone Therapy for Inpatient Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations

Abstract

Background: While antimicrobial use in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is reserved for more severe cases, the current evidence available comparing fluoroquinolones (FQs) to other classes in the inpatient setting are lacking. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of FQ therapy compared with non-FQs (NFQs) during acute COPD exacerbations in hospitalized patients. Methods: In this single-centered institutional review board–approved retrospective chart review, participants were included if they were at least 18 years of age and hospitalized for an acute exacerbation of COPD. Patients were stratified into FQ or NFQ groups based on the initial antimicrobial regimen administered. The primary outcome was the clinical resolution rate after antimicrobial therapy. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, duration of antimicrobial therapy, 30-day readmission rates, and Clostridioides difficile infection rates. Results: A total of 375 patients were included (FQ = 201; NFQ = 174). The NFQ group had a higher rate of clinical resolution (84.5% vs 76.1%, P = .0435). In a multivariable regression analysis, the association between NFQ therapy and higher rates of clinical resolution remained significant (odds ratio = 2.31; 95% confidence interval = 1.3-4.10; P = .0043). The FQ group had a shorter length of stay (4 vs 5 days; P = .0022) and shorter inpatient antibiotic duration (4 vs 5 days; P = .0200). Rates of Clostridioides difficile infection and readmission were similar between groups. Conclusions: NFQ therapy may provide a higher rate of clinical resolution while avoiding exposure to FQ therapy and known adverse effects associated with FQ use.