Appropriateness in prescribing PPIs: A position paper of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) - Study section "Digestive Diseases in Primary Care"

BEHIND THE PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR PRESCRIPTION: AN INTERNATIONAL SURVEY ON PHYSICIAN PRACTICES AND KNOWLEDGE

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed worldwide, often resulting in their overuse. Consequently, it is essential to identify the likely causes of this overuse to facilitate their appropriate prescription.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess physician prescribing patterns, their knowledge of PPIs, and factors affecting their knowledge.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted among Latin American and Spanish physicians, collecting the following data: professional information, patterns of PPI usage, familiarity with published evidence, and the management approach in three hypothetical case-scenarios. Participant knowledge was categorized as sufficient or insufficient based on the results of the case scenarios. Subsequently, subgroup analysis was performed based on physician training level, years in practice, specialty, and time since the last PPI literature review.

RESULTS

A total of 371 physicians participated in the survey. Thirty-eight percent frequently prescribe PPIs, primarily for prophylactic purposes (57.9%). Eighty percent were unfamiliar with PPI deprescribing strategies, and 54.4% rarely reviewed the ongoing indication of patients taking a PPI. Sixty-four percent demonstrated sufficient knowledge in the case-scenarios. A significant association was observed between specialty type (medical vs surgical: 69.4% vs 46.8%, P<0.001), the timing of the PPI indication literature review (<5 years vs >5 years: 71.4% vs 58.7%, P=0.010), and sufficient knowledge.

CONCLUSION

While most participants prescribed PPIs regularly and for prophylaxis purposes, the majority were unfamiliar with deprescribing strategies and rarely reviewed ongoing indications. Sufficient knowledge is correlated with recent literature reviews and medical specialty affiliation.

BACKGROUND

• The study aims to evaluate physician prescribing patterns, assess their knowledge of proton pump inhibitors, and identify factors influencing their knowledge.

BACKGROUND

• An online survey of Latin American and Spanish physicians assessed proton pump inhibitor usage patterns and case-scenario responses, categorizing knowledge, and conducting subgroup analysis based on training, experience, specialty, and literature review timing.

BACKGROUND

• Thirty-eight percent of surveyed physicians commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitors, and among them, 80% were unfamiliar with deprescribing strategies, with 54.4% rarely reviewing ongoing indications.

BACKGROUND

• Sufficient knowledge was correlated with recent literature reviews and medical specialty affiliations.

Gastric protection in cardiological practice: an Italian survey on the prescriptive attitude

BACKGROUND

Gastric protection is commonly considered in patients who use medications able to damage gastric mucosa, mainly NSAIDs, antiplatelets, and anticoagulants. Therefore, cardiologists may frequently prescribe drugs to protect the stomach from damaging medications. The present survey investigated the attitude toward using gastric protection by a panel of Italian cardiologists.

METHODS

A self-administered questionnaire included three sections concerning practical problems on this issue in clinical practice facing patients with cardiological disorders. The questionnaire was administered in three successive months.

RESULTS

Ninety Italian cardiologists completed the questionnaire. They all consider gastric protection, mainly when prescribing potentially noxious medications. Usually, cardiologists prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in 60% of their patients. Alginates and mucosal protectors are less considered. As a rule, cardiologists request investigations if the initial treatment fails. Moreover, the safety issue is carefully assessed. Furthermore, this survey experience significantly affected the approach to managing patients who require gastric protection. The participants carefully considered the prescriptive appropriateness of gastric protectors, mainly concerning the PPIs use. Consequently, PPIs were discontinued when inappropriate. A new medical device with triple action (antacid, mucosal protectors, and anti-reflux) contributed to this new attitude.

CONCLUSIONS

The present survey underscored that the appropriateness in prescribing gastric protectors is clinically relevant. In addition, a longitudinal survey experience contributed to change the practical approach by highlighting the prescriptive appropriateness of PPIs, and using a new medical device with multiple gastroprotective activities.

Association Between Acid-Suppressive Drugs and Risk of Rosacea: Retrospective Study Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort

BACKGROUND

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin disease with multiple etiologies. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) are acid suppressive drugs widely used for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, and long-term use has been reported to be associated with dysbiosis which is a potential risk for development of rosacea. This study aimed to study the association between rosacea and acid suppressants in the Korean national cohort.

METHODS

We used Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort data of 749,166 patients with upper GI diseases between 2001 and 2013. Duration of acid suppressants was compared between patients with and without rosacea together with other sociodemographic characteristics and hazard ratios were estimated.

RESULTS

Longer use of acid suppressants was significantly associated with increased risk of rosacea. After adjustment for possible confounders, increased cumulative defined daily dose was significantly associated with risk of rosacea (odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-2.00; P = 0.001). Other factors significantly associated with risk of rosacea include residing in the rural area (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 2.18-3.06; P < 0.001), greater Charlson Comorbidity Index score (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.15-1.83; P = 0.002), and comorbidities (malignancy, thyroid disease, and depression).

CONCLUSION

Results from our study indicate that H2RA or PPI is associated with the occurrence of rosacea among patients with GI diseases in the Korean population. The risk was increased in dose-dependent manner, even after adjusting for confounding variables. Clinicians should be aware of risks associated with prolonged use of acid suppressive drugs.

Proton pump inhibitors and chronic kidney disease risk: a comparative study with histamine-2 receptor antagonists

This observational study explored the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) use and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) and six-hospital electronic health record (EHR) databases, CKD incidence was analyzed among PPI and H2RA users. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics, with 1,869 subjects each in the PPI and H2RA groups from the NHIS-NSC, and 5,967 in EHR databases. CKD incidence was similar for both groups (5.72/1000 person-years vs. 7.57/1000 person-years; HR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.35-1.30). A meta-analysis of the EHR databases showed no significant increased CKD risk associated with PPI use (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.87-1.23). These results suggest PPI use may not increase CKD risk compared to H2RA use, but the potential role of PPI-induced CKD needs further research. Clinicians should consider this when prescribing long-term PPI therapy.

Encouraging appropriate use of proton pump inhibitors: existing initiatives and proposals for the future

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have revolutionized the management of acid-related disorders, representing today the mainstay treatment of these conditions. However, despite their large range of indications and usefulness, the remarkable expansion of their use in the last two decades cannot be explained by the increasing prevalence of acid-related diseases only. An inappropriate prescription for clinical conditions in which the pathogenetic role of acid has not been documented has been described, with the natural consequence of increasing the costs and the potential risk of iatrogenic harm due to adverse events and complications recently emerged.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we summarize current indications of PPIs administration, potential adverse events associated with their chronic utilization, and misuse of PPIs. Moreover, we describe existing and possible initiatives for improving the use of PPIs, and some proposals for the future.

EXPERT OPINION

PPI deprescribing is the preferred and most effective approach to reduce the use of PPIs, rather than adopting sharp discontinuation, probably due to fewer withdrawal symptoms. Nonetheless, large knowledge gaps still exist in clinical practice regarding the optimal approach of PPI deprescribing in various clinical scenarios. Further prospective well-designed international studies are eagerly warranted to improve our perspectives on controlling global PPI inappropriate use.

How safe are heartburn medications and who should use them?

INTRODUCTION

Heartburn is a frequent symptom occurring in daily clinical practice and is mainly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, it can be stimulated by various factors and diseases other than GERD can present with heartburn. Therefore, physicians must be very careful in distinguishing GERD from non-GERD conditions in their patients, particularly when heartburn is refractory to anti-reflux medications.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this narrative review was to analyze the medical literature regarding the prevalence of heartburn and the various clinical disorders which can be present with this symptom. The type of medications usually adopted for treating heartburn and their grade of safety have been reviewed using an extensive computerized (Medline/PubMed) search with particular focus on the last 20 years.

EXPERT OPINION

Many drugs can be used for relieving heartburn in patients with GERD, although PPIs are the pharmacological agents with the greatest efficacy. However, it must be highlighted that many non-GERD conditions may present clinically with this symptom whose intensity does not differ between GERD and functional esophageal disorders, which represent about 50% of all patients with suspected GERD. It is very important to identify these functional conditions because their treatment differs completely from that of GERD.

Deprescribing Strategies: A Prospective Study on Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most controversially prescribed drugs in polypharmacy. This observational prospective study assessed the PPI prescriptive trend during hospitalization before and after implementation of a prescribing/deprescribing algorithm in a real-life hospital setting and the related clinical-economic benefit at discharge. PPI prescriptive trends were compared between three quarters of 2019 (9 months) and the same period of 2018 by a chi-square test with a Yate's correction. The proportions of treated patients in the two years (1120 discharged patients in 2018 and 1107 in 2019) were compared by the Cochran-Armitage trend test. DDDs (defined daily doses) were compared between 2018 and 2019 by the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test and normalizing DDD/DOT (days of therapy) and DDD/100 bd (bed days) for each patient. Multivariate logistic regression was performed on PPI prescriptions at discharge. The distribution of patients with PPIs at discharge was significantly different in the two years (p = 0.0121). There was a downward trend in the number of PPI prescriptions (29.9%) in the third trimester of 2019 compared to the others of the same year (first trimester: 34.1%, second trimester: 36.0%) and by contrast with the same periods of 2018 (29.4, 36.0, and 34.7%) (p = 0.0124). DDDs/patient did not differ between 2018 and 2019 nor across the three trimesters. However, both DDD/DOT and DDD/100 bd showed a decrease in the third trimester of 2019, with a marked difference for DDD/DOT (p = 0.0107). The reduction in consumption detected in the last phase of 2019 in terms of DDD/DOT was 0.09 with a consequent containment of pharmaceutical spending. The development and implementation of multidisciplinary prescribing/deprescribing protocols in both hospital and community settings could lead to a reduction in the misuse of PPIs, with significant savings in healthcare resources.

Effects of postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors on gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic variceal treatment during hospitalization

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic variceal treatment (EVT) is recommended as the mainstay choice for the management of high-risk gastroesophageal varices and acute variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for various gastric acid-related diseases. However, the effects of PPIs on the development of post-EVT complications, especially gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), remain controversial.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on post-EVT complications in patients with liver cirrhosis during hospitalization.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis who were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, treated by an attending physician between January 2016 and June 2020 and underwent EVT during their hospitalization were included. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on the development of post-EVT complications during hospitalization. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 143 patients were included. The incidence of post-EVT GIB and other post-EVT complications was 4.90% and 46.85%, respectively. In the overall analyses, postoperative use of PPIs did not significantly reduce the risk of post-EVT GIB (OR = 0.525, 95%CI = 0.113-2.438, P = 0.411) or other post-EVT complications (OR = 0.804, 95%CI = 0.413-1.565, P = 0.522). In the subgroup analyses according to the enrollment period, type and route of PPIs after the index EVT, use of PPIs before the index EVT, use of vasoactive drugs after the index EVT, indication of EVT (prophylactic and therapeutic), and presence of portal venous system thrombosis, ascites, and hepatocellular carcinoma, the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on the risk of post-EVT GIB or other post-EVT complications remain not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Routine use of PPIs after EVT should not be recommended in patients with liver cirrhosis for the prevention of post-EVT complications during hospitalization.

Long-term proton pump inhibitor use and risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures: A nationwide population-based and multicenter cohort study using a common data model

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Association between protonpump inhibitors (PPIs) and osteoporosis, hip fractures has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between PPIs use and the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures in the databases converted to a common data model (CDM) and to compare the results across the databases.

METHODS

This was a population-based, propensity-matched, retrospective cohort study that included patients aged ≥ 50 years who were prescribed with PPIs for over 180 days. We compared the incidence of osteoporosis and hip fractures between new PPI user and new user of other drugs using the Cox proportional hazards model and performed meta-analysis in the electronic health record (EHR) databases.

RESULTS

In the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)-CDM database, long-term PPI users had greater risk of osteoporosis [PPIs vs non-PPIs groups, 28.42/1000 person-years vs 19.29/1000 person-years; hazard ratio (HR), 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22-2.15; P = 0.001]. The meta-analytic results of six EHR databases also showed similar result (pooled HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.28-1.92). In the analysis of hip fracture, PPI use was not significantly associated with a hip fracture in the NHIS-CDM database (PPI vs non-PPI groups, 3.09/1000 person-years vs 2.26/1000 person-years; HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.74-2.80; P = 0.27). However, in the meta-analysis of four EHR databases, the risk of hip fractures was higher in PPI users (pooled HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.04-3.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term PPI was significantly associated with osteoporosis; however, the results of hip fractures were inconsistent. Further study based on better data quality may be needed.

Appropriateness and Associated Factors of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis for Surgical Inpatients of Orthopedics Department in a Tertiary Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) prescribed in patients admitted to surgical wards with a low risk of stress-related mucosal disease (SRMD) accounted for a considerable proportion of improper use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This study aimed to analyze the appropriateness of SUP prescribing patterns and identify its associated factors in the orthopedics department of a tertiary hospital in the Northwestern China. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, information regarding the demographic and clinical characteristics of 1,200 fracture inpatients who underwent surgical operations from January 2020 to August 2021 were collected from medical records. Established criteria were used to assess the appropriateness of the prescribing pattern for SUP, and the incidence of inappropriate SUP medication was calculated. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with inappropriate SUP medication. Results: Approximately, 42.4% of the study population was interpreted as inappropriate prescription of SUP. A total of 397 (33.1%) patients received SUP without a proper indication (overprescription), and the incidence of inappropriate SUP medication was calculated to be 43.11 per 100 patient-days. In addition, 112 (9.3%) inpatients for whom SUP was indicated did not receive SUP (underprescription). PPIs were prescribed in 96.1% of the inpatients who used acid suppression therapy (AST), and intravenous PPIs accounted for 95.3% thereof. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, age above 65 years and prolonged hospitalization were associated with overprescription of SUP. Increased number of drugs excluding PPIs, the concurrent use of systemic corticosteroids, comorbidity of hypertension, and unemployed or retired status in inpatients were associated with a reduced likelihood of overprescription for SUP. Conversely, prolonged hospitalization, the concurrent use of systemic corticosteroids or anticoagulants, and unemployed status in inpatients were positively associated with underprescription of SUP. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of inappropriate SUP prescription among noncritically ill inpatients of fracture who underwent surgical operations. We delineated the associated factors with inappropriate SUP medication, which indicated that more information was required for clinicians about rationality and efficiency of their prescribing practices. Effective intervention strategies should be executed by clinical pharmacists to reduce improper SUP medication.

Chronic cough in adults: recommendations from an Italian intersociety consensus

BACKGROUND

Chronic cough (CC) is a burdensome health problem in adult and older people, with a major impact on quality of life. Its management is often troublesome, and many guidelines have been released. Notwithstanding, a proportion of cases still do not reach a definite diagnosis and resolutive treatment. A coordinated approach between different specialists would be highly recommended, but its implementation in clinical practice suffers from the lack of shared protocols and poor awareness of the problem. The present consensus document has been implemented to address these issues.

AIMS

To develop evidence-based recommendations for the management of adults with CC.

METHODS

A 12-member expert task force of general practitioners, geriatricians, pneumologists, allergologists, otorhynolaringologists and gastroenterologists was established to develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to subjects with CC. A modified Delphi approach was used to achieve consensus, and the US Preventive Services Task Force system was used to rate the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 56 recommendations were proposed, covering 28 topics and concerning definitions and epidemiology, pathogenesis and etiology, diagnostic and therapeutic approach along with the consideration of specific care settings.

CONCLUSION

These recommendations should ease the management of subjects with CC by coordinating the expertise of different specialists. By providing a convenient list of topics of interest, they might assist in identifying unmet needs and research priorities.

An update of pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of vonoprazan in acid-related disorders

INTRODUCTION

Patients with acid-related disorders (ARDs) of the upper digestive tract remain highly prevalent and need to be continuously investigated to improve their management.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a summary of the most recent advancements in the treatment of ARDs with particular focus on the new drugs available to overcome the unmet needs of traditional therapies.

EXPERT OPINION

Proton pump inhibitors remain the best therapy in treating ARDs, but a consistent proportion of these patients continues to present mucosal lesions or to experience symptoms despite treatment. These cases pertain mainly to the most severe forms of erosive esophagitis or to non-erosive reflux disease. Also, the increasing rate of patients with H. pylori infection not responding to eradication therapy represents a difficult clinical condition. The recent advent of a new class of antisecretory drugs, such as the potassium competitive acid blockers and, among them the most studied vonoprazan, which are characterized by a better pharmacological profile than PPIs (rapid onset of action, longer lasting acid suppression, control of nocturnal acidity), has the potential to overcome the above-mentioned unmet needs. More research should be done to assess their efficacy in Western populations and their safety in patients treated in the long term.

Prescription Appropriateness of Drugs for Peptic Ulcer and Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease: Baseline Assessment in the LAPTOP-PPI Cluster Randomized Trial

Background: Drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) are among the most widely prescribed, frequently without appropriate indications. This represents an important issue, as it leads to risk of adverse events for patients and unnecessary costs for National Health Service.

Aim: To assess the prescription appropriateness of drugs for GERD, in the frame of the “Evaluation of the effectiveness of a Low-cost informative intervention to improve the Appropriate PrescripTiOn of Proton PumP Inhibitors in older people in primary care: a cluster-randomized controlled study” (LAPTOP-PPI) (Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT04637750).

Methods: The appropriateness of drug prescription was assessed on data collected in administrative databases, by integrating information on concomitant medications, outpatient medical and laboratory procedures and hospital discharge diagnoses, according to the reimbursement criteria provided by the Italian Medicine Agency. We analyzed data of community-dwelling people aged 65 years and over, living in the areas of Bergamo (Northern Italy) and Caserta (Southern Italy), from July 1 to 31 December 2019.

Results: Among 380,218 patients, 175,342 (46.1%) received at least one prescription of drugs for GERD. All in all, we found that only 41.2% of patients received appropriate prescriptions.

Conclusion: Given the potential risk of adverse drug reactions, especially in older people, educational interventions should be prompted for physicians, in order to improve the quality of prescription of drugs for GERD and, in turn, avoid unfavorable health outcomes and unnecessary costs.

Comparative risk of incidence and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 among proton pump inhibitor and histamine-2 receptor antagonist short-term users: a nationwide retrospective cohort study

Background

This study aimed to evaluate incidence risk and adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 disease among short-term users of acid-suppressants in South Korea.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study, conducted using a nationwide claims database for South Korea, used data from patients with COVID-19 tested between January 1 and May 15, 2020. Patients aged over 18 years and prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H₂RA) for more than 7 days were identified. Primary outcome was COVID-19 while secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, hospitalization with respiratory disease, or intensive respiratory intervention. Large-scale propensity scores were used to match patients, while the Cox proportional hazard model was utilized to evaluate any association between exposure and outcome(s). The risk estimates were calibrated by using 123 negative control outcomes.

Results

We identified 26,166 PPI users and 62,117 H₂RA users. After propensity score matching, compared to H₂RA use, PPI use was not significantly associated with lower risk of COVID-19 (calibrated hazard ratio [HR], 0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30–2.19]); moreover, PPI use was not associated with adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19, namely, hospitalization with respiratory disease (calibrated HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.72–1.08]), intensive respiratory interventions (calibrated HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.46–1.82]), except for all-cause mortality (calibrated HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.31–0.95]).

Conclusions

In this study, we found that the PPI user was not associated with risk of COVID-19 compared to H₂RA users. There was no significant relationship between severe clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and exposure to PPI compared with H₂RA, except for all-cause mortality.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-022-00549-7.

Association between proton pump inhibitor use and gastric cancer: a population-based cohort study using two different types of nationwide databases in Korea

OBJECTIVE

The association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and gastric cancer related to Helicobacter pylori eradication has not been fully investigated in geographical regions with high risk of gastric cancer. We aimed to evaluate the association between PPIs and gastric cancer in Korea.

DESIGN

This study analysed the original and common data model versions of the Korean National Health Insurance Service database from 2002 to 2013. We compared the incidence rates of gastric cancer after 1-year drug exposure, between new users of PPIs and other drugs excluding PPIs, by Cox proportional hazards model. We also analysed the incidence of gastric cancer among PPI users after H. pylori eradication.

RESULTS

The analysis included 11 741 patients in matched PPI and non-PPI cohorts after large-scale propensity score matching. During a median follow-up of 4.3 years, PPI use was associated with a 2.37-fold increased incidence of gastric cancer (PPI≥30 days vs non-PPI; 118/51 813 person-years vs 40/49 729 person-years; HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.56 to 3.68, p=0.001). The incidence rates of gastric cancer showed an increasing trend parallel to the duration of PPI use. In H. pylori-eradicated subjects, the incidence of gastric cancer was significantly associated with PPI use over 180 days compared with the non-PPI group (PPI≥180 days vs non-PPI; 30/12 470 person-years vs 9/7814 person-years; HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.67, p=0.036).

CONCLUSION

PPI use was associated with gastric cancer, regardless of H. pylori eradication status. Long-term PPIs should be used with caution in high-risk regions for gastric cancer.

[Updating in prescription of proton pump inhibitors. What to do and what not to do]

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most prescribed pharmacological subgroup of the National Health System and their use has been related to possible potentially serious adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current indications for treatment with PPIs as well as the data related to their safety, in order to promote their adecuate use.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A review of the literature focused on the following topics has been carried out: a) molecules and mechanism of action; b) current indications for treatment and adherence to them; c) adverse effects related to its use; d) drug interactions; e) alternatives in deprescription.

RESULTS

The current indications have not changed substantially in recent years and are well established, however, there is a high percentage of inappropriate prescription, mainly in individuals with low or no risk.

CONCLUSIONS

PPIs are safe drugs and generally well tolerated and their benefits are higher than possible adverse effects. Adhering to evidence-based recommendations represents the only rational approach to safe and effective therapy.

Latest insights into the hot question of proton pump inhibitor safety - a narrative review

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely prescribed medications worldwide and their use is continuously increasing. Although they have been shown to combine high therapeutic efficacy and good safety profile in many studies, in last years we have witnessed the publication of many articles reporting the possible association of long-term PPI therapy with important unexpected adverse events and these observations have created alarmism in both patients and physicians. However, the majority of these studies are observational, retrospective and prone to residual confounding. Also, the odds ratio values are generally comprised between 1 and 2 and therefore devoid of strong clinical relevance. As it is unlikely that prospective randomized trials will be ever done to reinforce these associations, we can only attempt to distinguish clear- from unclear-defined adverse events from the available literature. Nowadays we can reasonably exclude cardiovascular diseases, community-acquired pneumonia, all-cause mortality, dementia and bone fractures from PPI-related adverse events. However, physicians should be aware of the existence of possible risks when treating their patients, especially the elderly and frail ones, with long-term PPIs, which should be prescribed only to persons with defined indications and at lowest dose and duration.

Comparative risk of Clostridium difficile infection between proton pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists: A 15-year hospital cohort study using a common data model

BACKGROUNDS AND AIM

There are potential concerns regarding infectious complications including Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) among patients taking gastric acid suppressants. Furthermore, it is speculated that the stronger acid suppression by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) potentially enhance infectious complications. This study aimed to compare the risk of CDI between PPIs and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs).

METHODS

Using the long-term database of the Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, converted to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model, we identified outpatients treated with PPIs and H2RAs for ≥ 7 days from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2018. We conducted Cox regression analysis to examine the hazard ratio (HR) of CDI after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 1.2 years (interquartile range, 0.2-3.2 years), the initial CDI occurrence differed significantly between matched cohorts of patients taking PPIs and H2RAs [PPIs vs H2RAs, 88/31 095 person years vs 47/32 836 person years; HR, 2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-3.96; P = 0.005]. Almost 50% of all events occurred within 1 year of drug exposure. The risk of CDIs was significantly greater among groups receiving PPIs or H2RAs than in matched controls (PPIs vs control: HR, 2.65; 95% CI 1.28-5.79; P = 0.011; and H2RAs vs control: HR 2.43; 95% CI 1.09-5.68; P = 0.034].

CONCLUSION

In long-term hospital cohort, outpatient-based PPIs were associated with greater risk of CDI than H2RAs. It is necessary to be cautioned about complication of CDI in patients taking long-term PPI therapy.

Appropriateness of proton pump inhibitors treatment in clinical practice: Prospective evaluation in outpatients and perspective assessment of drug optimisation

BACKGROUND

High rates of inappropriate proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescriptions have been reported in retrospective database analyses. Assessing the appropriateness of long-term PPIs in outpatients, with a proactive approach at drug optimisation may enhance treatment adequacy.

AIMS

To describe the characteristics of outpatients who are on long-term PPIs, to assess the magnitude of inappropriate PPI prescriptions, and to evaluate the rate of drug optimisation following specialist recommendations.

METHODS

Appropriateness of long-term (>8weeks) PPI prescription was prospectively assessed in 249 consecutive patients referred to a Gastroenterology outpatient clinic. We recorded reason for prescription, dose, modality, duration of therapy, and attempts at PPI optimisation.

RESULTS

PPIs were inappropriately prescribed in 96/249 patients (38.6%). Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (50/143, 35.0%) and prophylaxis of anti-platelet/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (5/49, 10.2%) were the most common PPI indications and those with the lowest rate of inappropriateness, while the highest rates were observed for treatment of dyspepsia (10/12, 83.3%) and anti-coagulant therapy (21/21, 100%). PPI treatment was optimised in 112 patients (45.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

PPIs are inappropriately used in about 40% of outpatients, reflecting scant attention to guidelines. A proactive approach may improve therapeutic adequacy in approximately half of patients. Educational efforts to guide PPI prescription should be further pursued.

Educational Intervention Improves Proton Pump Inhibitor Stewardship in Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinics

Background

Improper chronic proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has risen significantly in the last few decades. In our gastroenterology trainees’ clinics, we aimed to optimize PPI usage.

Methods

We collected baseline data on patients’ PPI use for 8 weeks. Based on gastroenterology society guidelines, we determined conditions for appropriate PPI use. If the indication could not be determined, it was categorized as “unknown”. Generated from the three most frequent causes for inappropriate PPI use, interventions were developed to correct each issue. Following a brief educational session, trainees implemented these interventions over a subsequent 8-week interval.

Results

During our pre-intervention period, trainees evaluated 263 patients who were prescribed a PPI. In 49% of the cases, the use of PPI was deemed inappropriate. The most common reasons were: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which was never titrated to the lowest effective dose, twice daily dosing for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) chemoprevention and unknown indication. During our intervention period, trainees evaluated 145 patients prescribed a PPI for GERD with well-controlled symptoms in 101 cases. PPI had not been titrated to lowest effective dose in 37 cases prompting intervention which was successful in 23 cases. PPI indication was unknown in 17 cases prompting a message to the prescribing provider to review appropriateness. Two cases of BE chemoprevention with twice daily dosing were appropriately reduced to daily dosing. Ultimately, after intervention, PPI use was deemed appropriate after intervention in 172 (77%) cases.

Conclusions

Improper chronic PPI use was significant. Focusing intervention efforts on PPI use for GERD, BE and unknown indications substantially increased appropriateness of PPI use.

Proton pump inhibitors: placing putative adverse effects in proper perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the past year's literature, both clinical and basic science, regarding potential adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

RECENT FINDINGS

PPIs are amongst the most widely prescribed and over-prescribed medications worldwide. Although generally considered well tolerated, epidemiologic studies that mine large databases have reported a panoply of putative adverse effects associated with PPIs. It should be emphasized that the quality of the evidence underlying most of these associations is very low and the studies, by design, cannot ascribe cause and effect. These associations continue to be sensationalized in the media and misinterpreted by providers and patients. The unintended consequences are that patients who require PPIs, such as those taking dual antiplatelet agents, are not being prescribed or taking these necessary medications. In addition, physicians are spending an inordinate amount of additional time placing these findings into proper perspective for their patients and reassuring them upon initiating PPI treatment as well as at every follow-up visit.

SUMMARY

Most of the recent publicized putative serious adverse effects attributed to PPIs rely on observational data and have not been confirmed in prospective randomized trials. Nevertheless, PPIs should be prescribed for valid indications and when prescribed long-term, they should be used at the lowest effective dose and the need for their use periodically reassessed.

Proton pump inhibitor use increases hepatic encephalopathy risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have been conducted to explore the association between the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) risk in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, their results are controversial.

AIM

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the HE risk among PPI users.

METHODS

A systematic search on PubMed, Web of Science, EMBase, and ScienceDirect databases was conducted up to December 31, 2018 for eligible studies involving PPI use and HE risk. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the fixed or random effects model. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s test, Egger’s test, and trim-and-fill method.

RESULTS

Seven studies with 4574 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results indicated a significant association between the PPI use and HE risk (OR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.25-1.75) with low heterogeneity (I² = 14.2%, P = 0.321). Although publication bias existed when Egger’s tests were used (P = 0.005), the trim-and-fill method verified the stability of the pooled result. Sensitivity analyses suggested that the results of this meta-analysis were robust.

CONCLUSION

The current evidence indicates that PPI use increases HE risk in patients with liver cirrhosis. Further studies with a large data set and well-designed models are needed to validate our findings.