Prescription of proton pump inhibitors before endoscopy. A potential cause of missed diagnosis of early gastric cancers

The Safety of Appropriate Use of Over-the-Counter Proton Pump Inhibitors: An Evidence-Based Review and Delphi Consensus

The availability of over-the-counter (OTC) proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the short-term (2 weeks) management of frequent heartburn (≥2 days/week) has increased markedly, yet evidence-based recommendations have not been developed. A panel of nine international experts in gastroesophageal reflux disease developed consensus statements regarding the risks and benefits of OTC PPIs using a modified Delphi process. Consensus (based on ≥80% approval) was reached through multiple rounds of remote voting and a final round of live voting. To identify relevant data, the available literature was searched and summarized. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system terminology was used to rate the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations; consensus was based on ≥2/3 agreement. After 4 rounds of review, consensus was achieved for 18 statements. Notably, the available data did not directly reflect OTC use, but instead, prescription use; therefore, extrapolations to the OTC setting were often necessary. This limitation is regrettable, but it justifies performing this exercise to provide evidence-based expert opinion on a widely used class of drugs. The panel determined that using OTC PPIs according to label instructions is unlikely to mask the symptoms of esophageal or gastric cancer or adversely impact the natural history of related precursor conditions. OTC PPIs are not expected to substantially affect micronutrient absorption or bone mineral density or cause community-acquired pneumonia, Clostridium difficile infection, or cardiovascular adverse events. However, OTC PPI use may be associated with slightly increased risks for infectious diarrhea, certain idiosyncratic reactions, and cirrhosis-related spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The available evidence does not suggest that OTC PPI use consistent with label instructions is associated with substantial health risks. To minimize potential risks, healthcare professionals and consumers must actively participate in decision making when managing reflux-related symptoms in the self-care setting.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCVIII. Histamine Receptors

Histamine is a developmentally highly conserved autacoid found in most vertebrate tissues. Its physiological functions are mediated by four 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (H1R, H2R, H3R, H4R) that are all targets of pharmacological intervention. The receptors display molecular heterogeneity and constitutive activity. H1R antagonists are long known antiallergic and sedating drugs, whereas the H2R was identified in the 1970s and led to the development of H2R-antagonists that revolutionized stomach ulcer treatment. The crystal structure of ligand-bound H1R has rendered it possible to design new ligands with novel properties. The H3R is an autoreceptor and heteroreceptor providing negative feedback on histaminergic and inhibition on other neurons. A block of these actions promotes waking. The H4R occurs on immuncompetent cells and the development of anti-inflammatory drugs is anticipated.

Partnership in optimizing management of reflux symptoms: a treatment algorithm for over-the-counter proton-pump inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Uncomplicated heartburn and acid regurgitation are increasingly treated and managed using over-the-counter medications. However, with over-the-counter availability of antacids, alginates, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), consumers need guidance as to appropriate options and how to use them.

METHODS

Relevant guidelines, studies, and reviews were identified via literature searches of PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar, as well as cross-referencing from the identified papers.

RESULTS

Antacids, alginates, and H2RAs are best suited to management of occasional heartburn, taken either before provocative meals or other triggers or on demand when symptoms arise. Over-the-counter PPIs are appropriate options across the range of symptom severity/frequency typically encountered in the pharmacy, but may be particularly appropriate for treatment of those with frequent and/or very bothersome heartburn. A 2-4 week course of daily PPIs can lead to complete resolution of frequent heartburn. Counseling is important to ensure that patients understand that failure of symptoms to resolve or a rapid return of symptoms while taking a PPI is an indication to consult a doctor, whereas a return of symptoms after a period of months may be an indication for just another course of treatment. The need for effective communication and for ensuring use of the correct medication in the over-the-counter setting puts much of the responsibility for management of heartburn and acid regurgitation on the pharmacist. A proposed algorithm that details when and how to use available over-the-counter medications is presented. This algorithm also highlights alarm features and atypical symptoms indicative of other underlying conditions that should be referred directly to a physician.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a simple algorithm will empower pharmacists and consumers alike and ensure consistent and appropriate care.

Esomeprazole treatment of frequent heartburn: two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of a 14-day regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg for the treatment of frequent heartburn in subjects who are likely to self-treat with over-the-counter medications without consulting a health care provider.

METHODS

Adults with frequent heartburn ≥ 2 days per week in the past 4 weeks were randomly assigned to 14-day double-blind treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg once daily or placebo in 2 identical multicenter studies (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01370525, NCT01370538). The primary efficacy outcome was percentage of heartburn-free 24-hour days across 14 days. Secondary efficacy outcomes included heartburn resolution, defined as heartburn ≤ 2 days over 14 days, and percentages of subjects reporting ≤ 1 day with heartburn in the first and final weeks of treatment. Subjects recorded data in daily self-assessment diaries.

RESULTS

The percentage of heartburn-free 24-hour days over 14 days was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in subjects receiving esomeprazole 20 mg compared with placebo in study 1 (N = 331; 46.13% vs. 33.07%, respectively) and study 2 (N = 320; 48.00% vs 32.75%, respectively). Significantly more subjects treated with esomeprazole 20 mg had heartburn resolution over 14 days and in the first and final weeks compared with placebo. Within the first 4 days, the proportion of subjects with heartburn-free days was significantly greater with esomeprazole 20 mg versus placebo. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with a safety pattern consistent with the known profile for esomeprazole.

CONCLUSION

A 14-day regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg once daily was effective for treating frequent heartburn in subjects who are likely to self-treat with over-the-counter medications.

The role of primary care physicians in early diagnosis and treatment of chronic gastrointestinal diseases

Chronic gastrointestinal disorders are a source of substantial morbidity, mortality, and cost. They are common in general practice, and the primary care physician (PCP) has a central role in the early detection and management of these problems. The need to make cost-effective diagnostic and treatment decisions, avoid unnecessary investigation and referral, provide long-term effective control of symptoms, and minimize the risk of complications constitute the main challenges that PCPs face. The literature review shows that, although best practice standards are available, a considerable number of PCPs do not routinely follow them. Low rates of colorectal cancer screening, suboptimal testing and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors, and the fact that most PCPs are still approaching the irritable bowel disease as a diagnosis of exclusion represent the main gaps between evidence-based guidelines and clinical practice. This manuscript points out that updating of knowledge and skills of PCPs via continuing medical education is the only way for better adherence with standards and improving quality of care for patients with gastrointestinal diseases.

Inappropriate prescribing of proton pump inhibitors in older patients: effects of an educational strategy

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of older patients are prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, the extent of inappropriate PPI prescribing in this group is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with inappropriate PPI prescribing in older patients and to assess the effects of a targeted educational strategy in a controlled hospital environment.

METHODS

Clinical and demographic characteristics and full medication exposure on admission were recorded in 440 consecutive older patients (mean ± SD age 84 ± 7 years) admitted to a teaching hospital between 1 February 2011 and 30 June 2011. A 4-week educational strategy to reduce inappropriate PPI prescribing during hospital stay, either by stopping or reducing PPI doses, was conducted within the study period. The main outcome measures of the study were the incidence of inappropriate PPI prescribing and the effects of interventions to reduce it.

RESULTS

On admission, PPIs were established therapy in 164 patients (37%). This was considered inappropriate in 100 patients (61%). Lower Charlson Comorbidity Index score (odds ratio [OR] 0.76; 95% CI 0.57, 0.94; p = 0.006) and history of dementia (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.28, 1.83; p = 0.005) were independently associated with inappropriate PPI prescribing. Interventions to reduce inappropriate PPI prescribing occurred more frequently during and after the education phase (frequency of interventions in patients with inappropriate PPI prescribing: pre-education phase 9%, during education phase 43%, and post-education phase 46%, p = 0.006). Prescribing interventions were not associated with acid rebound symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Inappropriate PPI prescribing in older patients is frequent and independently associated with co-morbidities and dementia. A targeted in-hospital educational strategy can significantly and safely reduce inappropriate PPI prescribing in the short term.

Patterns and predictors of proton pump inhibitor overuse among academic and non-academic hospitalists

OBJECTIVE

In the hospital setting, several studies have reported proton pump inhibitor (PPI) overuse, a majority of which is continued after discharge. In addition to being expensive, PPIs are associated with an increased risk of infections, osteoporosis and serious drug interactions. We examined the trends and predictors of PPI guidelines non-compliance among academic and non-academic hospitalists in USA.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

Oral PPI prescriptions initiated by 2 academic and 2 non-academic hospitalist groups were reviewed. Prescription indications were recorded when explicitly stated in the chart. Otherwise, qualified physicians reviewed the chart to make such determination. Indications were then compared to the published guidelines. Several variables were tested to determine independent predictors of initiation and post discharge continuation of guideline non-compliant prescriptions.

RESULTS

Of the 400 PPI prescriptions 39% were guideline compliant. Academic hospitalists were significantly more compliant with PPI prescription guidelines (50 vs 29%). Gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding prophylaxis (GIP) for low risk patients was the most common indication for non-compliant prescriptions, while that of guideline compliant prescriptions was dyspepsia treatment. Independent predictors of the initiation of guideline non-compliant prescriptions were non-academic hospitalist group, PPI indication not documented in the chart, and GIP as part of the admission orderset. The latter was an independent predictor of those prescriptions continuation post-discharge (protective) in addition to non-academic hospitalists group.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalists overprescribe PPI to a level comparable to that of the non-hospitalist providers in the literature. Understanding the determinants of increased compliance among academic groups is instrumental to design interventions aimed at increasing PPI prescription compliance.

Time-dependent morphologic change in depressed-type early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Depressed-type early gastric cancer (EGC) is known to repeat improvement and exacerbation of ulceration during its natural course, forming a "malignant cycle." However, it is difficult to observe the malignant cycle of EGC in clinical practice, and little is known about the clinicopathologic factors associated with this cycle. This study aimed to evaluate the malignant cycle of EGC and to determine the clinicopathologic factors associated with the time-dependent morphologic change of EGC.

METHODS

The medical records of EGC patients treated at the Seoul National University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed with two or more comparable endoscopic photos taken between March 1999 and December 2005. The ulcer stages in EGC were classified by the gastric ulcer stage system and evaluated for time-dependent morphologic changes according to the relevant factors.

RESULTS

In this study, 231 cases of depressed-type EGC were evaluated. At the follow-up endoscopy after a median interval of 23 days, a change in ulcer stage was observed in 66 patients (29%), with improvement in 45 patients (20%) and exacerbation in 21 patients (9%). Of the 177 patients who demonstrated an active or healing stage, 45 (25%) showed improvement and 10 (6%) exhibited exacerbation. The multivariate analysis showed that the usage of antisecretory medications, mucosal cancer, and a longer interval between the two endoscopic examinations were the factors that had a significant association with improvement of the ulcer stage.

CONCLUSIONS

The malignant cycle was frequently observed in depressed-type EGC. The improvement of ulceration in EGC was time dependent and associated with the usage of antisecretory medication and the depth of invasion.

Intravenous pantoprazole utilization in a level 1 trauma center

BACKGROUND

In recent years there has been a rapid increase in the use of proton pump inhibitors. Our institution has recently had several shortages of IV pantoprazole, each lasting 7-10 days. The purpose of our study was to evaluate in-patient usage of IV pantoprazole. We hypothesized that hospitalized patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) or risk for stress ulcers inappropriately received IV pantoprazole based on current literature.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 165 consecutive in-patients identified as receiving pantoprazole from December 2004 to March 2005. Only patients receiving IV pantoprazole were included (n = 78). Data collected included demographics, indication and dosing of pantoprazole, admitting team (surgery vs. medicine), and risk factors for stress ulcers.

RESULTS

Our study population had a mean age of 54 +/- 17 years and 62% were male. Overall, 45% (35/78) of patients receiving IV pantoprazole had an appropriate indication, and 19% (15/78) received the correct dose. Of the 78 patients, 43 (55%) were treated with pantoprazole for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP), and 35 (45%) patients were treated for GIB. We found that none of the 43 patients treated for SUP had an appropriate indication for pantoprazole, but all of the patients with GIB (35) had an appropriate indication. Of the 35 patients treated for GIB with pantoprazole, only 40% (14/35) received the correct dose. In all cases of incorrect dosing, the patients were underdosed.

CONCLUSIONS

Pantoprazole is not being prescribed appropriately for stress ulcer prophylaxis in our patient population. Even in patients appropriately receiving pantoprazole the majority were prescribed an incorrect dose. Appropriate indications and dosing of pantoprazole could eliminate the shortages seen at our institution.

Early diagnosis of early gastric cancer

The prognosis of gastric cancer is closely related to the stage of disease at diagnosis. Early gastric cancer, whereby disease is limited to mucosa and submucosa, confers a survival rate of greater than 90% in 5 years in many centres. Gastric cancer is still a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. In high incidence areas such as Japan, screening of asymptomatic population has been advocated. However, in Western countries, mass screening is not cost-effective. Hence, strategy has been directed to screen symptomatic individuals who are at higher risk of gastric cancer. Most patients with early gastric cancer present with symptoms indistinguishable from benign peptic ulcer disease. Screening for this group of patients improves detection rate of early gastric cancer and therefore its prognosis. Endoscopy for surveillance of premalignant lesions has been explored with this objective in mind. Serology testing for biomarkers such as pepsinogen, anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody and gastrin has been studied as an alternative to endoscopy. There is compelling evidence for the role of H. pylori in the initiation of Correa's cascade (stepwise progression from chronic active gastritis, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and finally adenocarcinoma). Regression of premalignant lesions has been demonstrated with H. pylori eradication. However, it is not known whether this might effectively prevent gastric cancer in either low or high-risk population.

Symptoms and diagnosis of gastric cancer at early curable stage

Five-year survival of gastric cancer is 10% in Western countries compared with over 50% in Japan. This is because the disease is not identified in the West until later in its evolution. T1 cancer has an excellent prognosis, but most of the patients either have no symptoms or complain of long-standing, non-specific dyspepsia; alarm symptoms, when identified, usually indicate that the cancer is already inoperable. Early gastric cancer is infrequently diagnosed in the West because the low prevalence of gastric cancer means that endoscopists do not search with the same diligence as they do in Japan. A further barrier is the widespread prescription of proton pump inhibitors that heal malignant ulcers and diminish symptoms, thus rendering them more difficult to identify clinically and endoscopically. An improvement in diagnosis may be achieved by newer endoscopy technology which enables cancers to be identified more easily, or by an inexpensive screening test to select patients with extensive gastric atrophy, thereby identifying those at risk who can then be screened endoscopically.

Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of gastroscopy to detect gastric tumours: clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer missed on endoscopy

OBJECTIVES

Some gastric cancers are missed during diagnostic gastroscopy, but data are sparse on the clinical characteristics of patients with missed gastric cancers and on the accuracy of gastroscopy for detecting these tumours. We evaluated the number, clinicopathological characteristics, and survival of patients with missed gastric cancers, and the sensitivity and specificity of gastroscopy to detect these tumours.

METHODS

Data on gastric cancers detected in 1996-2001 in a single hospital referral area were obtained from the National Cancer Registry. Patient files were examined to identify those who underwent gastroscopy less than 3.5 years before a cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of the 284 gastric cancer patients, 13 (4.6%) had undergone gastroscopy in the previous 3.5 years; their mean age was 72.4 years at the time of the first gastroscopy. The median delay in cancer diagnosis was 11.5 months. Histologically, all patients had gastric carcinoma. The sensitivity and specificity of gastroscopy for diagnosing gastric cancer were 0.93 and 1.00, respectively. Among the deceased patients, no difference was observed in the survival of cases with non-missed (n = 191) and missed (n = 10) carcinoma: 9.4 versus 7.3 months (P = 0.15).

CONCLUSION

A small proportion of gastric carcinomas are missed on gastroscopy, causing a significant delay in diagnosis. However, the prognoses of patients with missed and non-missed gastric carcinoma were equally poor.

The risk of missed gastroesophageal cancer diagnoses in users and nonusers of antisecretory medication

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Some patients with early gastroesophageal cancer may appear to "heal" because of antisecretory medication, but the risk of a missed diagnosis is unknown. The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of gastroesophageal cancer with or without pre-endoscopic treatment with antisecretory medication.

METHODS

We extracted data on use of endoscopies, gastroesophageal cancer diagnoses, death, migration, and use of antisecretory medication (H(2) blockers and proton pump inhibitors) from 5 population-based registries covering 1974-2002. We included all citizens in Funen County (population, 470,000) who between 1993 and 2002 were investigated by endoscopy for the first time. The patients were followed up until death, emigration, or the end of the study period.

RESULTS

Among 27,829 patients with a first endoscopy (mean age, 56 years; 48% male, 115,804 person-years of follow-up), 461 had gastroesophageal cancer diagnosed at the first endoscopy and 52 were diagnosed during a median follow-up of 2.7 years after the first endoscopy. The incidence during follow-up was similar to the background population (standardized incidence ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-1.91), increased with age, and was higher in male patients. The incidence of gastroesophageal cancer during follow-up was 46 per 100,000 person-years in users of antisecretory medication the last 180 days before the first endoscopy compared with 44 per 100,000 person-years in nonusers (age and sex standardized difference, 4 per 100,000 person-years; 95% confidence interval, -14 to 22).

CONCLUSIONS

Very few cancers are missed at endoscopy. The risk seems similar in users and nonusers of antisecretory medication before endoscopy.

Randomised controlled trial of pantoprazole versus ranitidine for the treatment of uninvestigated heartburn in primary care

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether pantoprazole (20 mg/d) produces significantly greater symptom control than ranitidine (300 mg/d) in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

DESIGN

Multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group comparison.

SETTING

76 general practices in north-west Sydney and Newcastle, New South Wales (Australia), from 19 January 1999 to 22 September 2000.

PATIENTS

307 patients aged 18 years or over presenting with symptomatic GORD.

INTERVENTIONS

Pantoprazole (20 mg once daily) or ranitidine (150 mg twice daily).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient-assessed frequency and severity of heartburn using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and a patient heartburn diary.

RESULTS

Pantoprazole was associated with significantly higher rates of complete control of GORD symptoms than ranitidine at four weeks (40% v 19%; P < 0.001), eight weeks (55% v 33%; P < 0.001), six months (71% v 56%; P = 0.007) and 12 months (77% v 59%; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose pantoprazole is an effective alternative to standard-dose ranitidine for initial and maintenance treatment of patients with symptomatic GORD.

Overuse of proton pump inhibitors

BACKGROUND

There have been concerns raised about the potential adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors, especially with long-term use. In particular, their potent action can suppress the features and delay the diagnosis of gastric cancer, while prolonged exposure may hasten the development of gastric carcinoids.

AIM

To examine the use of proton pump inhibitors in patients at the major teaching hospital in Tasmania, Australia, principally to determine the appropriateness of the therapy according to published guidelines.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the medical records of all patients prescribed any of the proton pump inhibitors at the hospital over a 7-month period, was performed. An extensive range of demographic and clinical variables was recorded for each patient. The patients were also asked a series of questions during their hospitalization to extract some of the relevant information - in particular, if and when they had undergone endoscopy.

RESULTS

The 200 patients (52% males) had a mean age of 69 +/- 16.4 years. The most common indications for using proton pump inhibitors were acute gastrointestinal bleeding (20.9%), severe refractory ulcerating oesophagitis (17.3%), mild/moderate oesophageal reflux (17.3%) and refractory peptic ulcer (11.7%). A large number of patients were using a proton pump inhibitor for 'other' indications (39.6%). The prescribing of proton pump inhibitors satisfied the approved indications, as outlined in the Australian Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits, in only 37.1% of cases. Endoscopy had been performed in 54.1% of patients prior to commencing therapy with a proton pump inhibitor and within the next 7 days in another 12.8% of patients. Only 59% of patients had previously been treated with an H2-receptor antagonist before commencing therapy with a proton pump inhibitor. Even worse, only 58.5% of patients had used an H2-receptor antagonist before a proton pump inhibitor for mild/moderate oesophagitis. The median duration of proton pump inhibitor therapy for patients admitted to the hospital and already receiving one of the drugs was 450 days. Over half of the patients were being concurrently treated with other drugs which are known to cause or exacerbate gastro-oesophageal disease, and 18% were smokers.

CONCLUSION

Whereas the proton pump inhibitors are undoubtedly effective agents, studies of their prescribing in practice consistently suggest over-use prior to endoscopy, use in patients who do not fit the approved criteria, and prescribing for indications in which 'less powerful' agents should have been sufficiently effective for the patient's symptoms. This poses economic and safety concerns, particularly in light of the suggestion that these drugs could delay the diagnosis of gastric cancer.