Risk Factors for the Development of Specific Noncardiovascular Adverse Effects Associated With Amiodarone

Noncardiovascular adverse effects associated with amiodarone result in substantial mor-bidity. Adverse effects involving the skin, liver, thyroid, and lungs have been reported in as many as 57%, 55%, 11%, and 13 % of patients, respectively. Although risk factors for some amiodarone-induced adverse effects have been identified, risk factors for these specific side effects have not been systematically evaluated. Therefore, risk factors for development of amiodarone-induced dermatologic, hepatic, thyroid, or pulmonary ad-verse effects were identified using univariate analysis in 44 patients receiving the drug for supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias (mean duration of therapy 99.5 ± 110.8 weeks). Dermatologic side effects occurred in 4 (9.1%) patients. Patients who experienced dermatologic side effects were younger than patients who did not (mean age, 48.3 ± 15.8 years versus 60.1 ± 9.5 years. respectively; P =.03). Patients younger than 60 years of age were more likely to develop photosensitivity or blue-gray skin discoloration than those aged 60 or older (P =.05). Hepatic adverse effects occurred in 3 (6.8%) patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in those who developed hepatic adverse effects than in those who did not (15.0 ± 4.0 % versus 39.1 ± 13.9%, P =.005). Adverse thyroi