Proton-pump inhibitors among adults: a nationwide drug-utilization study

Proton pump inhibitors are not associated with fundic gland polyps - a systematic review that takes into consideration all known confounders

Sporadic fundic gland polyps (FGPs) progress, albeit rarely, to dysplasia and cancer. Two meta-analyses, including 8 and 11 studies, concluded that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were associated with FGPs. Intervention is considered unnecessary when FGPs have a background of PPIs use. Both meta-analyses, however, disregarded known confounders: age, sex, endoscopy indications, study design (prospective or retrospective), duration of PPI use, and H. pylori infection. Confounders are known to invalidate meta-analyses. We followed PRIXMA guidelines and searched the literature for studies on FGPs in PPI-users and PPI-nonusers. In the 22 studies searched, we compared FGPs in PPI-users (n = 6534) and PPI-nonusers (n = 41 115). Heterogeneity was significant (Cochran Q = 277.8, P < 0.0001; I2 = 92.8%), annulling meta-analysis performed by blanket tallying. To offset the above confounders, we matched PPI-users and PPI-nonusers by (a) age and sex (n = 4300 and 29 307, respectively) and (b) their propensity scores derived from the confounders (n = 2950 and 4729, respectively). After both matching, FGPs were not significantly different between PPI-users and PPI-nonusers [odds ratio (OR) = 1.1, P = 0.3078; OR = 0.9, P = 0.3258, respectively]. Furthermore, FGP frequency did not correlate with increasing duration of PPI use (Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients = 0.1162, 0.0386, P < 0.6064, 0.8646, respectively); it was not significantly different between any of the duration periods of observation, namely, <10, 10-20, 20-40, >40 months, nor was it significantly different between PPI-users and PPI-nonusers within each duration period (P > 0.05). We conclude that PPIs are not associated with FGPs, implying that a background history of PPI use is not a justification for nonintervention in the management of FGPs.

Integrated models of population pharmacokinetics and exposure response to optimize dosage regimen for anaprazole sodium in duodenal ulcer

Anaprazole sodium enteric-coated tablet is a novel proton pump inhibitor which has been approved for the treatment of duodenal ulcer. The aim of this study is to provide reliable information for the design of an optimal dosage regimen. Population pharmacokinetics and exposure-response models were integrated to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters and covariates of Anaprazole and its metabolite M21-1, and subsequently provided dosage suggestions based on clinical trials and simulation data. A pharmacokinetic model incorporating two-compartment for the parent drug and one-compartment for the metabolite, with both first-order and zero-order mixed absorption was used to describe the pharmacokinetics of Anaprazole and M21-1. Age emerged as a significant covariate affecting the elimination rate constant of M21-1, with clearance decreasing as age advances. No correlation was observed between the pharmacokinetics of Anaprazole or M21-1 and the adverse reactions under the current dosages. BMI might be the influence factor of the mild gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Meanwhile, Anaprazole had a good healing rate (94.0 %) in duodenal ulcer patients and the exposure-response analysis indicated that the cured results were not influenced by the exposure parameters of parent drug or metabolite. In conclusion, the drug is safe when dosing between 20 and 100 mg once a day.

Effects of proton pump inhibitors on inflammatory bowel disease: An updated review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is believed to be caused by various factors, including abnormalities in disease susceptibility genes, environmental factors, immune factors, and intestinal bacteria. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the primary drugs used to treat acid-related diseases. They are also commonly prescribed to patients with IBD. Recent studies have suggested a potential association between the use of certain medications, such as PPIs, and the occurrence and progression of IBD. In this review, we summarize the potential impact of PPIs on IBD and analyze the underlying mechanisms. Our findings may provide insights for conducting further investigations into the effects of PPIs on IBD and serve as an important reminder for physicians to exercise caution when prescribing PPIs to patients with IBD.

H. Pylori Treatment in the COVID-19 Era. What Have We Learned So Far?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

CoronaVirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has negatively influenced the management of multiple conditions in regards to the gastroenterology patient. An equivalent change in the management of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related diseases was reported, as practically no eradication treatment was offered during most of the pandemic. Given the scarcity of published data, we performed a literature review trying to elucidate the effect of COVID-19 on H. pylori treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

COVID-19 has produced more questions than answers as to the outcome of COVID-19 in H. Pylori infected patients, post-COVID-19 patients treated for H. pylori, acid suppression and COVID-19 incidence and outcomes, and H. pylori eradication treatment in patients having recovered from COVID-19. We strongly believe that this scientific uncertainty produced by the COVID-19 pandemic has set up the stage for an incremental change in H. pylori treatment as COVID-19 has offered us the chance to speed up how we will, in the near future, approach patients with a possible Η. pylori infection.

The incidence and prevalence of proton pump inhibitor usage among internal medicine patients after hospital admission: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has increased over the past decades. One potential gateway into new PPI use is following a hospital admission. The study aimed to examine the incidence of new PPI usage following admission to internal medicine services and the ratio of new persistent users.

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted among all adults who had been admitted to internal medicine wards at the National University Hospital of Iceland from 2010-2020. Data was obtained from the Icelandic Internal Medicine Database. The proportion of patients who started treatment with PPI within 3 months of discharge (new users) and the proportion of patients who continued to use it after 3 months (persistent users) were examined.

RESULTS

Among 85.942 admissions during the study period, 7238 (15.6%) became new users, and of those 4942 (68%) were new persistent users. The incidence of new PPI use was highest for patients discharged from gastroenterology (32.2%), hematology (31.8%), and oncology (29.2%). Patients with new PPI use more commonly had a history of malignancy (19.5%) and liver disease (22.7%) and more commonly were admitted to the ICU during their hospitalization. The highest ratio of persistent usage was among patients discharged from geriatric medicine (84%).

CONCLUSION

One in every six patients admitted to internal medicine wards filled out a prescription for PPI within 3 months from discharge, and a large proportion of them became persistent users. The high rate of new PPI users from oncology and hematology is noteworthy and requires further research.

The Impact of Sex on the Response to Proton Pump Inhibitor Treatment

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment is responsible for substantial gastrin elevation secondary to reduced intragastric acidity. Due to the increasing global prevalence of PPI users, concerns have been raised about the clinical significance of continuous gastrin elevation and its potential long-term side effects. Hypergastrinemia secondary to PPIs has trophic effects on gastric mucosa, leading to enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia and gastric (fundic) polyp formation, and it is believed to provoke acid rebound following PPI withdrawal that induces PPI overutilization. Previous studies have found higher gastrin release following PPI therapy in females compared with males, and sex differences have also been demonstrated in pharmacokinetic parameters and dose requirements for acid reflux. It is conceivable that females might be at increased risk of PPI overuse, because they often receive higher milligram-per-kilogram doses. The prevalence of PPI use is more common among females, and the female sex is a risk factor for adverse drug reactions. This non-systematic review outlines the current knowledge of the impact of biological sex on the response to PPIs. The aim is to highlight the female sex as a potential risk factor that could be a step toward precision medicine and should be considered in future research on the response to PPI treatment.

Time-dependent association between STOPP and START criteria and gastrointestinal bleeding in older patients using routinely collected primary care data

PURPOSE

Only few studies have assessed the preventive effect of the STOPP/START criteria on adverse events. We aim to quantify 1) the association between nonadherence to STOPP/START criteria and gastrointestinal bleedings, and 2) the association between exposure to the potentially harmful START-medications and gastrointestinal bleedings.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data of patients aged ≥ 65 years from the electronic health records (EHR) of 49 general practitioners (GPs) in 6 GP practices, from 2007 to 2014. The database is maintained in the academic research network database (AHA) of Amsterdam UMC, the Netherlands.

METHODS

Gastrointestinal bleedings were identified using ICPC codes and free text inspections. Three STOPP and six START criteria pertaining to gastrointestinal bleedings were selected. Cox proportional hazards regression with time-dependent covariate analysis was performed to assess the independent association between nonadherence to the STOPP/START criteria and gastrointestinal bleedings. The analysis was performed with all criteria as a composite outcome, as well as separately for the individual criteria.

RESULTS

Out of 26,576 participants, we identified 19,070 Potential Inappropriate Medications (PIM)/Potential Prescribing Omission (PPO) instances for 3,193 participants and 146 gastrointestinal bleedings in 143 participants. The hazard ratio for gastrointestinal bleedings of STOPP/STARTs, taken as composite outcome, was 5.45 (95% CI 3.62-8.21). When analysed separately, two out of nine STOPP/STARTs showed significant associations.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a significant positive association between nonadherence to the STOPP/START criteria and gastrointestinal bleeding. We emphasize the importance of adherence to the relevant criteria for gastrointestinal bleeding, which may be endorsed by decision support systems.

Drug Utilisation Patterns of Alternatives to Ranitidine-Containing Medicines in Patients Treated with Ranitidine: A Network Analysis of Data from Six European National Databases

INTRODUCTION

Ranitidine, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist (H2RA), is indicated in the management of gastric acid-related disorders. In 2020, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended suspension of all ranitidine-containing medicines in the European Union (EU) due to the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) impurities, which were considered to be carcinogenic. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of regulatory intervention on use patterns of ranitidine-containing medicines and their therapeutic alternatives.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to study drug utilisation patterns of ranitidine and report discernible trends in treatment discontinuation and switching to alternative medications.

METHODS

This retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted using primary care records from six European countries between 2017 and 2023. To explore drug utilisation patterns, we calculated (1) incident use of ranitidine, other H2RAs, and other alternative drugs for the treatment of gastric ulcer and/or gastric bleeding; (2) ranitidine discontinuation; and (3) switching from ranitidine to alternative drugs (H2RAs, proton-pump inhibitors [PPIs], and other medicinal products for acid-related disorders).

RESULTS

During the study period, 385,273 new ranitidine users were observed, with most users being female and aged 18-74 years. Ranitidine was the most commonly prescribed H2RA in the pre-referral period (September 2017-August 2019), with incidence rates between 0.8 and 9.0/1000 person years (PY). A steep decline to 0.3-3.8/1000 PY was observed in the referral period (September 2019-March 2020), eventually dropping to 0.0-0.4/1000 PY in the post-referral period (April 2020-March 2022). Switching from ranitidine to alternative drugs increased in the post-referral period, with the majority of patients switching to PPIs. Discontinuation of ranitidine use ranged from 270 to 380/1000 users in 2017 and decreased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Ranitidine was commonly used prior to referral, but it was subsequently discontinued and replaced primarily with PPIs.

Proton pump inhibitor prescribing patterns and utilization: A retrospective chart review analysis

Introduction

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) show a high level of efficacy and a high safety profile, and they have been increasingly prescribed in recent years. However, recent pharmacoepidemiological evidence has shown that PPI use has been associated with health risks and complications.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prescribing patterns of proton pump inhibitors and the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) among patients who use PPIs.

Method

This was a retrospective analysis of electronic health records from the Ministry of National Guard Hospitals in Riyadh from January 2019 to June 2022. All adult patients who used PPIs were included to assess the prescribing patterns and drug utilization, including the number of prescriptions, duration of prescriptions, number of doses, and prescription indications. Potential DDIs were assessed based on concurrent use, which is defined as taking an interacting drug parallel to PPIs. The assessment includes complete or partial overlapping, with at least one day of overlapping.

Results

The total number of PPI prescriptions was 80,365 for a total of 9,930 patients with a mean age of 67.5. The majority of PPIs were prescribed in high doses (74%), without reporting appropriate indications (95%), and 17% were prescribed for long-term use. A total of 24,575 (33.6%) potential DDIs with PPIs were found.

Conclusion

The results showed that the majority of the PPI prescriptions were made with a high number of doses, without reporting appropriate indications, with some having potential DDIs. This might result in exposing patients to an increasing number of health risks. The findings highlight the importance of implementing a stewardship program for PPI prescription with periodic reassessments of patients' needs for these medications.

Appropriateness of proton pump inhibitor therapy in an ambulatory geriatrics clinic: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis

Background

Proton pump inhibitors are considered potentially inappropriate medications in the geriatric population. The use of proton pump inhibitors by older adults has increased over the past several decades; however, existing literature suggests that only one-third of patients prescribed these medications have a valid indication for use. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of proton pump inhibitor therapy in a population of ambulatory geriatric patients and to determine the impact of an interdisciplinary clinic on their use.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients referred to an ambulatory geriatrics clinic between October 2017 and March 2021. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they were taking a proton pump inhibitor at the time of clinic admission. Appropriateness of proton pump inhibitor therapy was assessed based on indication and dosing regimen.

Results

In total, 280 participants were included. The mean age was 79.6 years (SD 7.7) and 60% were female. Overall, 94 of 280 (33.6%) participants had a documented valid indication for their proton pump inhibitor. The clinic team intervened to reduce the dose or discontinue 76 of 186 (40.8%) inappropriate proton pump inhibitors.

Interpretation

Only one-third of proton pump inhibitors used by ambulatory geriatric patients have a documented appropriate indication for use. Given the medical complexity of this population and their vulnerability to adverse effects, the ambulatory geriatric population should be a priority target for proton pump inhibitor deprescribing initiatives.

Practical patient care appraisals with use of new potassium binders in heart failure and chronic kidney diseases

Hyperkalaemia is a life-threatening condition leading to significant morbidity and mortality. It is common in heart failure and in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients due to the diseases themselves, which often coexist, the high co-presence of diabetes, the fluctuations in renal function, and the use of some drugs [i.e. renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors]. Hyperkalaemia limits their administration or uptitration, thus impacting on mortality. New K + binders, namely patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (ZS-9), are an intriguing option to manage hyperkalaemia in heart failure and/or CKD patients, both to reduce its fatal effects and to let clinicians uptitrate RAAS inhibition. Even if their real impact on strong outcomes is still to be determined, we hereby provide a practical approach to favour their use in routine clinical practice in order to gain the correct confidence and provide an additive tool to heart failure and CKD patients' wellbeing. New trials are welcome to fill the gap in knowledge.

Pantoprazole promotes sustained intestinal carriage of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in amoxicillin-treated mice

AIMS

The main objective of this study was to compare extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli fecal titers during 12 days between two groups: mice who received proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and those that did not.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We tested three different in vivo models: model 1, high inoculum (106 CFU ml-1); model 2, low inoculum (102 CFU ml-1); and model 3, low inoculum and 2-day amoxicillin wash-out. There was no significant difference between the two groups in fecal ESBL E. coli titers in models 1 and 2. The fecal titers of ESBL E. coli were probably too high to show differences in colonization related to PPI treatment. By introducing a 2-day wash-out period after stopping amoxicillin (model 3), the fecal ESBL E. coli titers were higher in the PPI-treated mice during 12 days (3 log versus 11 log day CFU g-1; P < 0.05). This result highlighted that PPIs promote stable ESBL E. coli digestive carriage in mice. Fecal quantitative PCR showed that mice with low ESBL E. coli fecal titers had a much higher concentration of equol-producing bacteria, Muribaculum sp., and Adlercreutzia caecimuris.

CONCLUSIONS

Pantoprazole treatment promotes sustained digestive carriage of ESBL E. coli in amoxicillin-treated mice.

Despite warnings, co-medication with proton pump inhibitors and dasatinib is common in chronic myeloid leukemia, but XS004, a novel oral dasatinib formulation, provides reduced pH-dependence, minimizing undesirable drug-drug interactions

BACKGROUND

Dasatinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, as a lipophilic weak base, crystalline monohydrate, dasatinib (Sprycel®) is poorly soluble, rendering a pH-dependent absorption and a highly variable bioavailability. Thus, co-medication with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) profoundly impairs dasatinib uptake and is clearly recommended against. XS004 is a novel oral immediate release and amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) formulation of dasatinib and is bioequivalent to the original crystalline dasatinib at 30% lower dosages. XS004 is designed to mitigate gastric pH dependency, thus optimizing absorption and bioavailability.

METHODS

We investigated the prevalence of dasatinib and PPI co-medication among chronic-phase CML patients in a real-world setting and assessed the plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of XS004 with and without PPI co-medication (omeprazole) in healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Using the Swedish CML and Prescribed Drug Registers, we identified 676 TKI-treated CML patients; 320 (47%) had been prescribed PPI at some point after CML diagnosis. Among dasatinib-treated patients, the 2-year cumulative PPI co-medication was 24%. Interestingly, the 5-year overall survival was significantly lower for TKI-treated CML patients with versus without PPI co-medication (79% vs. 94%; hazard ratio 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-5.3; p < .0001). When assessing PK of XS004, neither Cmax nor area under the plasma concentration curve levels in plasma were significantly altered by the PPI co-medication.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, despite warnings, PPI co-medication is common among dasatinib-treated CML patients in a real-world setting. The new XS004 ASD formulation of dasatinib provided, in contrast to original crystalline dasatinib, superior pH independence with stable bioavailability, thereby minimizing drug-drug interactions. This may improve the long-term efficacy and tolerability of dasatinib in CML.

Real-world Management of CML: Outcomes and Treatment Patterns

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a disease that previously signified a poor prognosis, but treatment options and outcomes have improved over the last several decades. Despite this, challenges remain in optimal management in clinical practice, as the characteristics in trial populations differ from patients who are treated in a real-world setting. This review describes recent updates in real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with CML.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several analyses describing real-world practice patterns show that tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the most commonly prescribed agents in multiple lines of therapy. First-generation (1G) and second-generation (2G) TKIs are the most commonly prescribed, even in the third line and beyond. Third-generation (3G) TKIs are typically utilized in patients with resistant disease who are younger with fewer comorbidities. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is utilized significantly less, given other treatment options available. The goals of treatment with CML have shifted to quality of life, cost savings, and treatment-free response (TFR). Despite clear guidelines for attempting TFR, discontinuation practice patterns remain inconsistent. TKIs are the mainstay of CML treatment, including those in later lines of therapy. In real-world practice, several challenges still remain with regard to optimal management. Specifically, ideal sequencing of treatments, side effect profiles of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), current role and timing of transplant, and adherence to recommendations for attempting to achieve a treatment-free response (TFR). A national registry could characterize these practice patterns in order to find ways to optimize care for CML patients.

Inappropriate proton-pump inhibitor prescribing in primary care - an observational study with quality circles

INTRODUCTION

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) should be deprescribed when an indication is lacking or the dose is too high. Academic and media reports have tried to raise awareness and thereby reduce the inappropriate prescribing of PPIs. However, pharmacoepidemiologic studies have shown an unchanged frequency of such inappropriate prescribing over time. Little is known about whether or how general practitioners (GPs) adapt their prescribing practices once their awareness of inappropriate PPI prescribing has been raised.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate PPI prescribing (too high dose or no indication) in a consecutive sample of patients in Swiss primary care settings. Our goal was then to evaluate how GPs managed the patients with potentially inappropriate PPI prescribing over 12 months after flagging these patients.

METHODS

In this observational study, 11 GPs from the canton of Bern in Switzerland used their medical records to identify 20 patients who had been prescribed a PPI for ≥8 weeks and flagged potentially inappropriate PPI prescribing in their records. After 12 months, we asked the same GPs whether the PPI prescriptions of those patients had changed and, if so, how.

RESULTS

Of 1,376 patients consecutively screened, 206 (15%) had been prescribed a PPI for ≥8 weeks. Of these 206 patients, 85 (41%) had a potentially inappropriate PPI prescription. Of these 85 patients, 55 (65%) had no indication for PPI, and 30 (35%) had a too-high dose. After one year, only 29 (35%) of the 84 flagged potentially inappropriate PPIs were stopped or reduced. The most frequently mentioned reasons that deprescribing was not possible were a lack of discussion with the patient (no contact or no time), the presence of symptoms requiring the PPI, or the unwillingness of the patient to deprescribe.

CONCLUSION

In the Swiss primary care setting, the rate of potentially inappropriate PPI prescribing is high. Having GPs flag potentially inappropriate PPI prescribing did not result in PPI deprescribing in most patients over 12 months. Our findings suggest that more personalised and targeted interventions are necessary to successfully implement the deprescribing of potentially inappropriate PPIs. We see the need to co-design interventions with patients and providers and test behavioural change techniques to enable the deprescribing of inappropriate PPIs.

Is empiric proton pump inhibition in patients with symptoms of extraesophageal gastroesophageal reflux justified?

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has had a marked increase in Western countries with a paralleling interest in extraesophageal (EE) manifestations of GERD, including laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). There are considerable differences in clinical practice between gastroenterologists, otolaryngologists and pulmonologists.

METHODS

In this narrative review we address some of these controversies concerning EE manifestations of GERD and LPR.

RESULTS

It is disputed whether there is causal relationship between reflux and the numerous symptoms and conditions suggested to be EE manifestations of GERD. Similarly, the pathophysiology is uncertain and there are disagreements concerning diagnostic criteria. Consequently, it is challenging to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations. A significant number of patients are given a trial course with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for several months before symptoms are evaluated. In randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs PPI treatment does not seem to be advantageous over placebo, and the evidence supporting that patients without verified GERD have any benefit of PPI treatment is negligible. There is a large increase in both over the counter and prescribed PPI use in several countries and a significant proportion of this use is without any symptomatic benefit for the patients. Whereas short-term treatment has few side effects, there is concern about side-effects after long-term use. Although empiric PPI treatment for suspected EE manifestations of GERD instead of prior esophageal 24-hour pH and impedance monitoring is included in several guidelines by various societies, this practice contributes to overtreatment with PPI.

CONCLUSION

We argue that the current knowledge suggests that diagnostic testing with pH and impedance monitoring rather than empiric PPI treatment should be chosen in a higher proportion of patients presenting with symptoms possibly attributable to EE reflux.

Proton pump inhibitor use: systematic review of global trends and practices

PURPOSE

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid secretion in the stomach and rank as one of the most widely used acid-suppressing medicines globally. While PPIs are safe in the short-term, emerging evidence shows risks associated with long-term use. Current evidence on global PPI use is scarce. This systematic review aims to evaluate global PPI use in the general population.

METHODS

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were systematically searched from inception to 31 March 2023 to identify observational studies on oral PPI use among individuals aged ≥ 18 years. PPI use was classified by demographics and medication factors (dose, duration, and PPI types). The absolute numbers of PPI users for each subcategory were summed and expressed as a percentage.

RESULTS

The search identified data from 28 million PPI users in 23 countries from 65 articles. This review indicated that nearly one-quarter of adults use a PPI. Of those using PPIs, 63% were less than 65 years. 56% of PPI users were female, and "White" ethnicities accounted for 75% of users. Nearly two-thirds of users were on high doses (≥ defined daily dose (DDD)), 25% of users continued PPIs for > 1 year, and 28% of these continued for > 3 years.

CONCLUSION

Given the widespread use PPIs and increasing concern regarding long-term use, this review provides a catalyst to support more rational use, particularly with unnecessary prolonged continuation. Clinicians should review PPI prescriptions regularly and deprescribe when there is no appropriate ongoing indication or evidence of benefit to reduce health harm and treatment cost.

Assessment of haemoglobin and serum markers of iron deficiency in people with cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency and their prognostic association with cardiovascular disease have rarely been explored at population level.

METHODS

National Health Service records of the Greater Glasgow region for patients aged ≥50 years with a broad range of cardiovascular diagnoses were obtained. During 2013/14, prevalent disease was identified and results of investigations collated. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin <13 g/dL for men or <12 g/dL for women. Incident heart failure, cancer and death between 2015 and 2018 were identified.

RESULTS

The 2013/14 dataset comprised 197 152 patients, including 14 335 (7%) with heart failure. Most (78%) patients had haemoglobin measured, especially those with heart failure (90%). Of those tested, anaemia was common both in patients without (29%) and with heart failure (prevalent cases in 2013/14: 46%; incident cases during 2013/14: 57%). Ferritin was usually measured only when haemoglobin was markedly depressed; transferrin saturation (TSAT) even less often. Incidence rates for heart failure and cancer during 2015-18 were inversely related to nadir haemoglobin in 2013/14. A haemoglobin of 13-15 g/dL for women and 14-16 g/dL for men was associated with the lowest mortality. Low ferritin was associated with a better prognosis and low TSAT with a worse prognosis.

CONCLUSION

In patients with a broad range of cardiovascular disorders, haemoglobin is often measured but, unless anaemia is severe, markers of iron deficiency are usually not. Low haemoglobin and TSAT, but not low ferritin, are associated with a worse prognosis. The nadir of risk occurs at haemoglobin 1-3 g/dL above the WHO definition of anaemia.

Potentially inappropriate medication use is associated with increased risk of incident disability in healthy older adults

BACKGROUND

Efforts to minimize medication risks among older adults include avoidance of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). However, most PIMs research has focused on older people in aged or inpatient care, creating an evidence gap for community-dwelling older adults. To address this gap, we investigated the impact of PIMs use in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) clinical trial cohort.

METHODS

Analysis included 19,114 community-dwelling ASPREE participants aged 70+ years (65+ if US minorities) without major cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, or significant physical disability. PIMs were defined according to a modified 2019 AGS Beers Criteria. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between baseline PIMs exposure and disability-free survival, death, incident dementia, disability, and hospitalization, with adjustment for sex, age, country, years of education, frailty, average gait speed, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

At baseline, 7396 (39% of the total) participants were prescribed at least one PIM. Compared with those unexposed, participants on a PIM at baseline were at an increased risk of persistent physical disability (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21, 1.80) and hospitalization (adjusted HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.20, 1.32), but had similar rates of disability-free survival (adjusted HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.93, 1.13) and death (adjusted HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.81, 1.05). These effects did not vary by polypharmacy status in interaction analyses. PIMs exposure was associated with higher risk of disability followed by hospitalization (adjusted HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.25, 2.96) as well as vice versa (adjusted HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.15, 2.05). PPIs, anti-psychotics and benzodiazepines, were associated with increased risk of disability.

CONCLUSIONS

PIMs exposure is associated with subsequent increased risk of both incident disability and hospitalization. Increased risk of disability prior to hospitalization suggests that PIMs use may start the disability cascade in healthy older adults. Our findings emphasize the importance of caution when prescribing PIMs to older adults in otherwise good health.

Proton pump inhibitor use and risk of pneumonia: a self-controlled case series study

BACKGROUND

Recent research indicates that use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with pneumonia, but existing evidence is inconclusive because of methodological issues. This study aimed to answer whether PPI-use increases risk of pneumonia while taking the methodological concerns of previous research into account.

METHODS

This population-based and nationwide Swedish study conducted in 2005-2019 used a self-controlled case series design. Data came from national registries for medications, diagnoses, and mortality. Conditional fixed-effect Poisson regression provided incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for pneumonia comparing PPI-exposed periods with unexposed periods in the same individuals, thus controlling for confounding. Analyses were stratified by PPI-treatment duration, sex, age, and smoking-related diseases. Use of histamine type-2 receptor antagonists (used for the same indications as PPIs) and risk of pneumonia was analysed for assessing the validity and specificity of the results for PPI-therapy and pneumonia.

RESULTS

Among 519,152 patients with at least one pneumonia episode during the study period, 307,709 periods of PPI-treatment occurred. PPI-use was followed by an overall 73% increased risk of pneumonia (IRR 1.73, 95% CI 1.71-1.75). The IRRs were increased across strata of PPI-treatment duration, sex, age, and smoking-related disease status. No such strong association was found between histamine type-2 receptor antagonist use and risk of pneumonia (IRR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.14).

CONCLUSIONS

PPI-use seems to be associated with an increased risk of pneumonia. This finding highlights a need for caution in using PPIs in individuals with a history of pneumonia.

Evolution of proton pump inhibitor prescribing from 2017 to 2021 at 14 secondary and tertiary hospitals in China：a multicentre cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the trend in prescribing proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and expenditure in both secondary and tertiary hospitals in China between 2017 and 2021.

DESIGN

Multicentre cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

China, 14 medical centres, January 2017 to December 2021.

PARTICIPANTS

537 284 participants who were treated with PPI in 14 medical centres of China, between January 2017 and December 2021 were included.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The rate of PPI prescriptions, the defined daily doses (DDDs), DDDs/1000 inhabitants per day (DDDs/TID) and expenditure were analysed and plotted to demonstrate changes in prescription PPI use and expenditure.

RESULTS

For both outpatient and inpatient settings, the rate of PPI prescribing decreased from 2017 to 2021. In outpatient settings, decreased slightly from 3.4% to 2.8%, however, in inpatient settings, showed a progressive decrease from 26.7% to 14.0%. The overall rate of injectable PPI prescriptions for inpatients decreased significantly from 21.2% to 7.3% between 2017 and 2021. Decreased trends in usage of oral PPI were observed (from 280 750 DDDs to 255 121 DDDs) between 2017 and 2021. However, usage of injectable PPI showed a significantly decrease from 191 451 DDDs to 68 806 DDDs from 2017 to 2021. In terms of DDDs/TID of PPI for inpatients decreased dramatically from 52.3 to 30.2 for the past 5 years. Expenditure on oral PPI decreased slightly from ¥1.98 million (Chinese currency Renminbi 'yuan') to ¥1.23 million for the past 5 years, whereas expenditure on injectable PPI showed a marked decrease from ¥2.61 million to ¥0.94 million. There was no statistical difference in both PPI use and expenditure between secondary and tertiary hospitals during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased PPI use and expenditure were observed among secondary and tertiary hospitals over the past 5 years (2017-2021).

In pursuit of balance: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and hyperkalaemia treatment

Hyperkalaemia is a life-threatening condition leading to significant morbidity and mortality. It is common in heart failure (HF) patients due to the disease itself, which often co-exists with chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus, the fluctuations in renal function, and the use of some drugs [i.e. renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors]. In particular, hyperkalaemia opposes to their administration or up-titration, thus impacting on mortality. New K+ binders, namely, patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, are an intriguing option to manage hyperkalaemia in HF patients, both to reduce its fatal effects and to let clinicians up-titrate RAAS inhibitors. Even if their real impact on strong outcomes is still to be determined, we hereby provide an overview of hyperkalaemia in HF and its current management. New trials are welcome to fill the gap in knowledge.

Vitamin B12 deficiency and use of proton pump inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may impact the absorption of vitamin B12. We performed a systematic review to ascertain if PPI use increases risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

METHODS

Electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Scopus) were searched on first of September 2022. We selected studies that compared the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in PPI users and non-users. Pooled Odds Ratio (OR) was calculated for the occurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency in PPI users compared to non-users. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies were included. The pooled OR of vitamin B12 deficiency among PPI users (2852 participants) was higher than non-users (28070 participants) (OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.16-1.73; I² = 54%). Overall risk of PPI use among vitamin B12 deficient individuals was higher than those without deficiency (OR 1.49, 1.20-1.85; I² = 68%). Most studies found no difference between serum vitamin B12 levels among PPI users compared to non-users.

CONCLUSION

Although the pooled OR of vitamin B12 deficiency was slightly increased in PPI users, but there was significant heterogeneity, and the pooled OR was too low to imply an association clearly. Better-designed prospective studies in long-term users may clarify the issue.

REGISTRATION

This study was not registered on PROSPERO.

No evidence for the benefit of PPIs in the treatment of acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Although current guidelines do not recommend the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the standard of care of acute pancreatitis (AP), they are often prescribed in clinical practice, mainly for ulcer stress prophylaxis. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we evaluated the association between the use of PPIs in the management of AP and various clinical outcomes. We conducted the systematic research in six databases without restrictions on January 24th, 2022. We investigated adult patient with AP, who were treated with PPI compared to conventional therapy. The pooled odds ratios, mean differences, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated with random effect model. We included six RCTs and three cohort studies, consisting of 28,834 patients. We found a significant decrease in the rate of pancreatic pseudocyst formation in patients who received PPI treatment. PPI use was associated with a higher risk of GI bleeding, however this finding could be due to the patients' comorbid conditions. We found no significant difference in the rates of 7-day mortality, length of hospital stay, and acute respiratory distress syndrome between the groups. The available data on this topic are limited; therefore, further well designed RCTs are needed to evaluate the potential benefits and adverse effects of PPIs in AP.

Maintenance Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Associated with Increased All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has increased over the last decades and has been associated with multiple adverse events and potentially even overall survival.

AIMS

We aimed to investigate the association between proton pump inhibitor maintenance use and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, addressing confounding by indication and duration of use.

METHODS

This Swedish population-based cohort study included all adult (N = 935,236) PPI and histamine-2 receptor antagonist maintenance users (≥ 180 days use) during 2005-2014. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all-cause and cause-specific mortality comparing the risk among PPI/H2RA users to that of the Swedish background population, stratified by age, sex, calendar period, indication and duration of use. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to compare PPI use to H2RA use, expressed as incidence rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

PPI and histamine-2 receptor antagonist use were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (SMR = 1.35; 1.34-1.36; SMR = 1.31; 1.27-1.36, respectively). The highest SMRs were found in the youngest age groups. In direct comparison, PPI use showed a higher mortality risk than histamine-2 receptor antagonist use (incidence rate ratios = 1.42; 1.38-1.46). PPIs were related to increased cancer (SMR = 1.21; 1.20-1.22), and cardiovascular mortality (SMR = 1.36; 1.35-1.37). Increased SMRs were observed for most indications. Longer duration of use was associated with a higher mortality among PPI users but not among histamine-2 receptor antagonist users.

CONCLUSION

Maintenance PPI use was associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality, and the risk increased with prolonged duration.

Population-based cohort study: proton pump inhibitor use during pregnancy in Sweden and the risk of maternal and neonatal adverse events

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of all women suffer from heartburn at some stage during pregnancy. The most effective treatment is proton pump inhibitors, but the safety of use during pregnancy cannot be guaranteed. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of proton pump inhibitors on the risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, an Apgar score at 5 min below 7, and a child being small or large for its gestational age.

METHODS

This Swedish population-based study included 1,089,514 live singleton deliveries between July 2006 and December 2016 in Sweden. Multiple logistic regression was used to model the outcomes as a function of the covariates. Results were presented as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In 1.4% of all pregnancies, the mother used proton pump inhibitors in the period from 3 months before the last menstrual period up to delivery. The use of proton pump inhibitors was associated with higher odds of pre-eclampsia (odds ratio = 1.19, 1.10-1.29), gestational diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 1.29, 1.16-1.43), preterm birth (odds ratio = 1.23, 1.14-1.32), and small for gestational age (odds ratio = 1.27, 1.16-1.40) and lower odds of large for gestational age (odds ratio = 0.84, 0.77-0.91). No significant association was found with a low Apgar score 5 min after birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Proton pump inhibitor use was associated with a higher risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and being born small for gestational age.

Effect of proton pump inhibitors in infants with esophageal atresia on the gut microbiome: a pilot cohort

BACKGROUND

The effects of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) on the infant microbiome remain unclear. Swedish pilot cohort study to assess the longitudinal effect of long-term PPI on the infant gut microbiome, including ten newborn infants operated for esophageal atresia exposed to PPIs (mean 57 weeks), compared to healthy one-year-old controls. All children were born vaginally and were otherwise healthy. Within- and between sample diversity of the fecal microbiome was assessed using untargeted whole genome Shotgun metagenomics which sequences all the DNA in the sample and can capture genes rather than a taxonomic fingerprint.

RESULTS

A longer duration of PPI-use was associated with considerable changes in evenness and high variation on diversity within samples compared to a shorter duration of use. The limited difference between baseline samples and controls suggests that this shift was most likely due to the drug exposure and not the underlying alterations on the microbiome. We found no associations with the number of antibiotic treatment episodes among the PPI-users.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged PPI-use may alter the early infant gut microbiome composition, especially those with the most prolonged duration of use.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in children with neurological impairment: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence and prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diagnosis and treatment in children with neurological impairment (NI) along with relationship to key variables.

DESIGN

This is a population-based retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

This study takes place in Alberta, Canada.

PATIENTS

Children with NI were identified by hospital-based International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes from 2006 to 2018.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence and prevalence of a GERD diagnosis identified by: (1) hospital-based ICD-10 codes; (2) specialist claims; (3) dispensation of acid-suppressing medication (ASM). Age, gender, complex chronic conditions (CCC) and technology assistance were covariates.

RESULTS

Among 10 309 children with NI, 2772 (26.9%) met the GERD definition. The unadjusted incidence rate was 52.1 per 1000 person-years (50.2-54.1). Increasing numbers of CCCs were associated with a higher risk of GERD. The HR for GERD associated with a gastrostomy tube was 4.56 (95% CI 4.15 to 5.00). Overall, 2486 (24.1%) of the children were treated with ASMs of which 1535 (61.7%) met no other GERD criteria. The incidence rate was 16.9 dispensations per year (95% CI 16.73 to 17.07). The prevalence of gastrojejunostomy tubes was 1.1% (n=121), surgical jejunostomy tubes was 0.7% (n=79) and fundoplication was 3.4% (n=351).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of GERD in children with NI greatly exceeds that of the general paediatric population. Similarly, incidence rate of medication dispensations was closer to the rates seen in adults particularly in children with multiple CCCs and gastrostomy tubes. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate use of ASMs balancing the potential for adverse effects in this population.

Vitamin D (Like Every Nutrient) is a Team Player

Vitamin D is critical for many physiological functions in humans. Numerous population-wide assessments have shown that vitamin D deficiency is very common. Unfortunately, far too many studies intending to assess the clinical efficacy of supplementation are poorly designed. They look at vitamin D as an isolated agent, independent of the complex matrix required for it to be physiologically effective and at dosages inadequate for much of the population. These errors cause inappropriate and invalid results that are then misused to not only recommend against supplementation but to also recommend against even measuring vitamin D levels. This editorial addresses the weaknesses of typical vitamin D research, such as VITAL, and the key factors that must be addressed for accurate vitamin D research.

Chronic Proton-Pump Inhibitor Therapy and Fracture Risk in Women Aged Between 50 and 65 years: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Introduction

Chronic proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) prescription is on the rise in the last decade with an increased prevalence in the elderly population. For most patients, this class of drugs is the primary treatment for various diseases. Even though PPIs are generally safe, long-term use has been associated with multiple adverse effects like bone fractures. The extent of the association between PPI and fracture is still unclear in women aged between 50 and 65 years. Besides, many other variables and risk factors must be accounted for in the analysis of this relation.

Methods

This is a retrospective case-control study looking at women 50-65 years of age who presented to Genesys Health for a low-impact fall. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and fracture outcomes; PPI therapy exposure and duration were determined. Chi-square analysis was performed to determine the association between chronic PPI therapy and fracture outcome and independently analyzed for major risk factors of osteoporosis, including smoking, low body mass index, and cancer.

Results

Patients in the chronic PPI therapy group were found to have a decreased fracture outcome overall in each subcategory of risk factors. When adjusting for all risk factors, there was a significant but weak association between chronic PPI therapy and increased fracture outcome.

Conclusion

With different results from previous studies, this study sheds new light on this debate. More studies need to be carried out to determine the association between chronic PPI therapy and fracture outcomes in postmenopausal women.

The effect of the use of proton pump inhibitors, serotonin uptake inhibitors, anti-hypertensive, and anti-inflammatory drugs on clinical outcomes of functional dental implants: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The present retrospective study investigated the effect of chronic intake of proton pump inhibitors, selective serotonin uptake inhibitors, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive drugs on the survival of dental implants and on the occurrence of peri-implantitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Survival analyses for implant failure and peri-implantitis were performed patient level for each drug subcategory and for risk factors. The HR for each drug was calculated with adjusted models as compared to a control group made of subjects not assuming the specific drug. Multilevel logistic regression was used to explore the influence of implant-level and patient-level variables on the outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 270 subjects receiving 1118 dental implants were included, with a mean follow-up time of 5.19 ± 4.22 years. After 10 years, the survival rate was 86.9% (patient level) and, according to survival analysis, 61.3% of subjects were free from peri-implantitis. The use of anti-inflammatory medicines produced a significant effect (P = 0.04) on peri-implantitis as compared to subjects not using the drug, with a 2.7 year drop of the mean survival time. The HR was slightly above the level of significance in a semi-adjusted model (P = 0.058). The multilevel analysis found a significant effect on the entire sample and not when considering only subjects with implants with more than 1 year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a possible relationship between anti-inflammatory drugs use and the occurrence of peri-implantitis in the examined cohort of patients, and no correlation for the other drugs.

Trends in proton pump inhibitor use, reflux esophagitis, and various upper gastrointestinal symptoms from 2010 to 2019 in Japan

The increasing usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been reported worldwide, but information on PPI use in East Asia is inadequate. This study aimed to examine the trends in PPI use in Japan, along with the changes in histamine H₂ receptor antagonist (H₂RA) use, disease rate of reflux esophagitis, and the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. We analyzed 217,712 healthy subjects (127,607 men and 90,105 women; 51.4 ± 9.7 years old) participating in the health check program from 2010 to 2019. Various upper gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated using the frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG) questionnaire. Reflux esophagitis was diagnosed by esophageal erosion using the Los Angeles classification grades A, B, C, and D. From 2010 to 2019, the percentage of PPI users increased markedly from approximately 1.8% to 5.3%, whereas that of H₂RA users decreased gradually from approximately 2.5% to 1.9%. The use of all classical types of PPIs (omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, and esomerazole) and a new type of PPI, a potassium-competitive acid blocker (vonoprazan), greatly increased during the 10 years. An upward trend in the prevalence of reflux esophagitis was observed from 2010 to 2015, but not from 2016 to 2019, indicating that the monotonic rising prevalence of reflux disease stopped in the middle of the 2010s in Japan. In contrast, various upper gastrointestinal symptoms significantly improved between 2010 and 2019. All 12 FSSG symptoms of PPI users were significantly worse than those of non-PPI users, suggesting that PPIs still cannot completely control upper gastrointestinal symptoms. In conclusion, this study revealed a significant increase in PPI use and a slight decrease in H₂RA use from 2010 to 2019. Despite a plateau in the prevalence of reflux esophagitis and considerable improvement in various upper gastrointestinal symptoms, PPI use has continued to increase in Japan.

Incidence in pharmacoepidemiology-Basic definitions and types of misclassification

The definition of a new case is a vital step in incidence studies in both epidemiology and pharmacoepidemiology, although with significant differences in methodology between the fields. We define and apply a framework for two different types of new cases of drug use, first‐ever and recurrent, and show how the associated misclassifications related to length of run‐in period can be expressed by the positive predictive value (PPV).

In the study, we consider individual‐level dispensations of statins 2006–2019 for 1,017,058 individuals with at least one dispensation in 2019 in Sweden. The incidence proportion for statins for both sexes of all ages in Sweden 2019 varied from 17.4/1000 with a run‐in of 8 months, 9.45/1000 with 5 years and 8.4/1000 with 10 years. The PPV was 49% with 8 months and 89% for 5 years using 10 years as gold standard.

We conclude that the interpretation of incidence and thus the selection of an appropriate run‐in period, in pharmacoepidemiology, depends on whether first‐ever use, recurrent treatment or both together (new cases) is the focus of the research question studied. At least five different misclassifications can be introduced depending on how incidence is defined.

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion is associated with different proton pump inhibitor use: a pharmacovigilance study

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reported associations between the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) and a variety of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) through analysis of the reports extracted from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

FAERS reports from January 2004 to March 2020 were used to conduct disproportionality and Bayesian analyses. The definition of SIADH relied on the preferred terms provided by the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. The time to onset, mortality, and hospitalization rates of PPI-related SIADH were also investigated.

Results

The study identified a total of 273 reports of PPI-associated SIADH, which appeared to influence more elderly than middle-aged patients (71.1% vs. 12.5%). Women were more affected than men (48.7% vs. 41.8%). Rabeprazole had a stronger SIADH association than other PPIs based on the highest reporting odds ratio (reporting odds ratio = 13.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 7.2, 24.9), proportional reporting ratio (proportional reporting ratio = 13.3, χ² = 113.7), and empirical Bayes geometric mean (empirical Bayes geometric mean = 13.3, 95% CI = 7.9). The median time to SIADH onset was 22 (interquartile range 6–692) days after PPI administration. PPI-associated SIADH generally led to a 2.95% fatality rate and a 79.7% hospitalization rate. The highest hospitalization death rate occurred in esomeprazole (91.2%).

Conclusion

According to our findings, more attention should be paid to SIADH within the first several months after the administration of PPIs. For women older than 65 years, dexlansoprazole may reduce the incidence of PPI-associated SIADH. Nonetheless, larger epidemiological studies are suggested to verify this conclusion.

Evolution of the consumption trend of proton pump inhibitors in the Lleida Health Region between 2002 and 2015

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most commonly prescribed pharmacological groups. Their high prevalence and duration of use are of important health concern due to the risk they can cause to patients. Despite these risks, their use remains particularly high, especially in the elderly population. We determined the trend in the prevalence of PPI consumption in the population of the Lleida Health Region between 2002 and 2015 to explore patterns of use and associated characteristics.

Methods

An analysis of secular trends between 2002 and 2015 was performed. The database included all individuals who used PPIs in the Lleida Health Region, which had 358.070 inhabitants in 2015. PPI use was evaluated using prescription dispensing data from the public health system. All types of PPIs approved by the pharmaceutical agency were included. Trends were investigated by age and sex.

Results

For the whole study period, a total of 215,417 individuals accounted for 292,122 dispensations. Overall, 48% were women, and the mean age was 62 years. The dispensing prevalence of PPI use in 2015 was 18.0% overall—20.4% for women and 15.7% for men—and was 54.6% for those over 65 years. In terms of the subtypes of PPIs, 16.8% of prescriptions were for omeprazole, 0.66% were for pantoprazole, and 0.48% were for lansoprazole. The evolution of the annual PPIs dispensation prevalence showed a progressive increase from 11.3% in 2002 to 18.0% in 2015, which was attributable to an increase in the use of omeprazole (9.0% vs. 16.8%) and, to a lesser extent, esomeprazole (0.02% vs. 0.4%).

Conclusion

An increase in the prevalence of PPI dispensation was observed over 14 years of follow-up. The prevalence of dispensation was especially high for the population older than 65 years, despite the risk of cognitive decline and falls. Comprehensive actions are required to to increase rational prescribing of PPIs, especially in high-risk populations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13217-6.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and the Risk of Early Aseptic Loosening in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction

The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been associated with a higher risk of osteoporotic fractures and non-unions rates. However, the relation between the use of PPIs and the development of aseptic loosening in arthroplasty procedures has not been studied. The objective of this study is to analyze the relation between the use of PPIs, and the risk of early aseptic loosening in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Materials and methods

A nested case-control study was conducted on patients who were subjected THA or TKA in our center between 2010 and 2014. Cases were patients subjected to revision surgery due to early aseptic loosening during the study period. Cases were matched with controls who did not require any type of revision surgery by type of joint replacement (THA/TKA), gender, age (+/- 2 years), and follow-up time (±6 months). Odds Ratios were adjusted to potential confounders.

Results

The crude and adjusted ORs (95% CI) of undergoing revision surgery for aseptic loosening following primary total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty, were 6.25 (2.04-19.23) and 6.10 (1.71-21.73), respectively, for any use PPIs compared with non-users. Crude and adjusted ORs, were 11.6 (2.93-45.88) and 17.1 (2.41-121.66), respectively, for patients with a Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) for PPIs <.5 (Table 2). In addition, the crude and adjusted ORs of undergoing revision surgery, were 5.05 (1.59-16.02) and 5.01 (1.36-18.44), respectively, for patients with a PDC for PPIs ≥.5.

Discussion

These results suggest that PPIs should be used with caution in patients with TKA and THA, and that the use of these drugs should not be prolonged unless there was a justifiable indication.

Conclusions

The use of PPIs and was associated with a higher risk of early aseptic loosening in patients subjected to THA and TKA.

Updated Insights on Cardiac and Vascular Risks of Proton Pump Inhibitors: A Real-World Pharmacovigilance Study

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely prescribed medications in clinical practice. However, there are also concerns about the potential risks of long-term PPI use. The present study aimed to examine the safety of PPIs and summarize their potential cardiac and vascular risks in a real-world setting.

Methods

This pharmacovigilance study extracted records between January 2015 and December 2019 from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. The association of seven PPI medications with cardiac and vascular events (CVEs) were evaluated. Two established pharmacovigilance methods, reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information components (IC) based statistical shrinkage, were used to measure disproportionality.

Results

In total 62,140 CVE records associated with PPI use were investigated. Women showed a higher proportion (54.37%) of PPI-associated CVEs. The median time from PPI initiation to CVE onset was 97 [interquartile range (IQR): 8–491] days, with the shortest median time of 42 days (IQR: 2–277 days) for esomeprazole, and the longest time of 389 days (IQR: 0–525 days) for dexlansoprazole. Although PPIs were not associated with elevated CVE risks compared those of the whole database (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = −0.39/0.74), various signals emerged. Despite some similarities exist between the PPIs, their cardiac and vascular safety profiles varied significantly. Pantoprazole showed the broadest spectrum of signals, from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 0.01/1.08) to renal haemangioma (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 3.14/9.58). Esomeprazole showed the second-broadest spectrum of toxicities, ranging from duodenal ulcer hemorrhage (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 0.07/1.28) to hypertensive nephropathy (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 4.09/18.72). Vascular signals were more dominant than cardiac signals, suggesting that vascular function was more heavily affected. Hypertensive nephropathy, renal haemangioma, renal artery stenosis, and renal infarct had strong signals across most PPI regimens and merited further attention.

Conclusions

PPIs may inflict various CVEs, particularly those involving the vascular system, on the users. Given the wide range of onset times and different toxicity profiles for various PPI medications, they should be prescribed with caution.

Risk of bias in non-randomized observational studies assessing the relationship between proton-pump inhibitors and adverse kidney outcomes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed as acid-suppression therapy. Some observational studies suggest that long-term use of PPIs is potentially associated with certain adverse kidney outcomes. We conducted a systematic literature review to assess potential bias in non-randomized studies reporting on putative associations between PPIs and adverse kidney outcomes (acute kidney injury, acute interstitial nephritis, chronic interstitial nephritis, acute tubular necrosis, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease).

METHODS

We searched the medical literature within 10 years of 17 December 2020. Pre-specified criteria guided identification of relevant English language articles for assessment. Risk of bias on an outcome-specific basis was evaluated using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Of 620 initially identified records, 26 studies met a priori eligibility criteria and underwent risk of bias assessment. Nineteen studies were judged as having a moderate risk of bias for reported adverse kidney outcomes, while six studies were judged as having a serious risk of bias (mainly due to inadequate control of confounders and selection bias). We were unable to determine the overall risk of bias in two studies (one of which was assessed as having a moderate risk of bias for a different adverse kidney outcome) due to insufficient information presented. Effect estimates for PPIs in relation to adverse kidney outcomes varied widely (0.24-7.34) but associations mostly showed increased risk.

CONCLUSION

Using ROBINS-I, we found that non-randomized observational studies suggesting kidney harm by PPIs have moderate to serious risk of bias, making it challenging to establish causality. Additional high-quality, real-world evidence among generalizable populations are needed to better understand the relation between PPI treatment and acute and chronic kidney outcomes, accounting for the effects of varying durations of PPI treatment, self-treatment with over-the-counter PPIs, and potential critical confounders.

Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in oral anticoagulant users compared to non-users in a population-based study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients on oral anticoagulants (OACs) are not well established. The aims of the study were to compare the causes of GIB in patients on OACs and those not on OAC therapy.

METHODS

A nationwide study of all GIB events in patients on OACs in Iceland from 2014-2019 was conducted. Bleeding events were obtained through ICD-10 codes and review of endoscopy databases, confirmed by review of medical records. For comparison, patients not on OACs from previous Icelandic population-based studies were used.

RESULTS

Among 752 GIB events in 12,005 patients on OACs, 273 (1.9%) had verified upper and 391 (2.7%) had verified lower GIB. For lower GIB, multivariate analysis showed that OAC users were more likely to have colonic polyps (OR 6.6, 95% CI: 2.4 - 17.8, p < .001) or colorectal cancer (OR 3.7, 95% CI: 2.0 - 7.0, p < .001) but less likely to have ischemic colitis (OR 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04 - 0.26, p < .001). For upper GIB, bleeding from mucosal erosions (OR 4.0 95% CI: 2.5 - 7.9, p < .001) and angiodysplasia (OR 3.6, 95%CI: 1.5 - 8.6, p = .003) were more common in OAC users.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of GIB caused by colonic polyps and colorectal cancer among OAC patients indicates that OACs treatment may facilitate cancer diagnosis. The low proportion of ischemic colitis among those on OACs suggests that OACs provide a protective effect against ischemic colitis. OACs seem to increase the bleeding from angiodysplasia and mucosal erosive disease.

Understanding the Patient PPI Journey: Results of a Survey on PPI Treatment Initiation and Patient Experience

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used in the management of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GORD) are among the most frequently prescribed classes of drug worldwide. Currently, however, physicians are prescribing PPIs for extended periods, often without an indication, which is not in line with current guidance and therefore preventing appropriate reflux management. Inappropriate or excessive PPI prescribing is becoming increasingly visible, yet there is currently little research available on the impact such current practice has on the patient experience. This study aims to understand patient attitudes toward their PPI treatment and the impact current PPI prescribing patterns have on the patient experience.

METHODS

An online survey of current and previous users of PPI for GORD was conducted in the UK and Germany. Topics covered included prior steps taken before first consultation with a physician, initial recommendations, PPI treatment initiation and duration, use of PPI, management of reflux whilst taking a PPI, stopping PPI treatment, and patient attitudes.

RESULTS

Among 566 patient participants (UK, n = 372; Germany, n = 194) 69% to 79% reported being prescribed medication at their first visit to a physician, of which 61% to 68% were prescribed a PPI either alone or combined with another treatment. 41% to 48% of patients answered "don't know" when asked how long they expected to continue taking their PPI. 49% to 50% of patients currently on PPIs also reported having concerns with regards to long-term treatment. 70% of patients recalled being well informed on dosage and treatment regimens. However, other safety and usage information was reported as being less frequently discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients reported concerns regarding ongoing long-term PPI treatment, this was not reflected in the prescribing pattern from physicians. More can be done to ensure patients are fully informed about their PPI treatment at consultation. Findings also suggest a disconnect exists between standard treatment guidelines and prescribing patterns, as experienced by patients.

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors on the Small Bowel and Stool Microbiomes

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is extremely common. PPIs have been suggested to affect the gut microbiome, and increase risks of Clostridium difficile infection and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). However, existing data are based on stool analyses and PPIs act on the foregut.

AIMS

To compare the duodenal and stool microbiomes in PPI and non-PPI users.

METHODS

Consecutive subjects presenting for upper endoscopy without colonoscopy were recruited. Current antibiotic users were excluded. Subjects taking PPI were age- and gender-matched 1:2 to non-PPI controls. Subjects completed medical history questionnaires, and duodenal aspirates were collected using a validated protected catheter. A subset also provided stool samples. Duodenal and stool microbiomes were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS

The duodenal microbiome exhibited no phylum-level differences between PPI (N = 59) and non-PPI subjects (N = 118), but demonstrated significantly higher relative abundances of families Campylobacteraceae (3.13-fold, FDR P value < 0.01) and Bifidobacteriaceae (2.9-fold, FDR P value < 0.01), and lower relative abundance of Clostridiaceae (88.24-fold, FDR P value < 0.0001), in PPI subjects. SIBO rates were not significantly different between groups, whether defined by culture (> 10³ CFU/ml) or 16S sequencing, nor between subjects taking different PPIs. The stool microbiome exhibited significantly higher abundance of family Streptococcaceae (2.14-fold, P = 0.003), and lower Clostridiaceae (2.60-fold, FDR P value = 8.61E-13), in PPI (N = 22) versus non-PPI (N = 47) subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that PPI use is not associated with higher rates of SIBO. Relative abundance of Clostridiaceae was reduced in both the duodenal and stool microbiomes, and Streptococcaceae was increased in stool. The clinical implications of these findings are unknown.

Gastroprotective effect of Berberis vulgaris on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury: Histopathological evaluations

OBJECTIVE

Modern treatment of peptic ulcers includes antibacterial and gastroprotective medications. However, current anti-ulcer drugs possess severe side effects. Therefore, all attempts to find new effective medications free from side effects are justified. Though Berberis vulgaris is a medicinal plant commonly used for the treatment of numerous disorders, gastroprotective effect of its leaf extract was not investigated before.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gastric ulcer was modelled in Sprague-Dawley rats after treatment with B. vulgaris leaf extract containing 0.07% of alkaloids, 0.48% of flavonoids and 8.05% of tanning substances, 10 or 50 mg of dry extract/kg, changes in the stomach mucosa were assessed semi-quantitatively, and the gastric wall was evaluated for prostaglandin E2 level using ELISA and assessed histologically by calculation of the lesion index.

RESULTS

B. vulgaris leaf extract at the dose of 50 mg/kg reduced the macroscopic ulcer score and the microscopic lesion index, increased prostaglandin E2 concentration in the gastric wall significantly higher than atropine and B. vulgaris leaf extract 10 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

The gastroprotective effect of the high dose of B. vulgaris leaf extract may be due to stimulation of prostaglandin E2 secretion in the stomach, and anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenolic complex of flavonoids and tannins present in the leaves of this plant.

The impact of tightened prescribing restrictions on proton pump inhibitor use in Australia: An evaluation using interrupted time series analysis

AIM

In May 2019, Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) tightened the prescribing restrictions for publicly subsidized high and standard strength proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). We aimed to determine the impacts on PPI use in Australia.

METHODS

Population-based interrupted time series analysis of PBS dispensing claims for a 10% sample of PBS-eligible Australian residents from January 2017 to December 2020 and national prescription and over-the-counter sales to pharmacies from January 2017 to October 2020. We examined trends in monthly PPI dispensings, switches from higher to lower strength formulations, and volume (kg) dispensed and sold.

RESULTS

From May 2019, we observed a small, immediate decrease (-7830 [95%CI: -8818 to -6842]) in standard strength PPI dispensings/month, which rebounded to exceed pre-intervention levels by December 2020. High strength dispensings decreased until the end of the study period to less than half their pre-intervention average/month; low strength dispensings/month increased until the end of the study period to more than double their pre-intervention average/month. We observed transient increases in switches to lower strength formulations post-intervention. The kilograms of PPIs sold/month followed a similar pattern to PBS kilograms dispensed/month with the exception of standard strength formulations where PBS dispensings decreased by -74 (95%CI: -93 to -55) but total sales remained unchanged (comprising PBS and private prescriptions, and over-the-counter sales).

CONCLUSIONS

Tightened prescribing restrictions had an immediate and sustained impact on PPI use in Australia, with decreased high strength use and increased low strength use. Some patients likely switched to private market prescriptions for standard strength PPI, given the observed patterns in total volume sold/dispensed.

Who gets prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors and why? A drug-utilization study with claims data in Bavaria, Germany, 2010-2018

PURPOSE

The German annual drug prescription-report has indicated overuse of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for many years; however, little was known about the characteristics of people using PPIs. This study aimed to provide comprehensive utilization data and describe frequencies of potential on- and off-label PPI-indications in Bavaria, Germany.

METHODS

Claims data of statutorily insured people from 2010 to 2018 were used. Defined daily doses (DDDs) of PPIs by type of drug, prevalence of PPI-use and DDDs prescribed per 1000 insured people/day were analyzed. For 2018, proportions of users and DDDs per 1000 insured people were calculated by age and sex. To elucidate changes in prescribing practices due to a suspected drug-drug interaction, we examined co-prescribing of clopidogrel and PPIs between 2010 and 2018. For PPI new users, sums of DDDs and frequencies of potential indications were examined.

RESULTS

PPI prescribing increased linearly from 2010 to 2016 and gradually decreased from 2016 to 2018. In 2018, 14.7% of women and 12.2% of men received at least one prescription, and 64.8 DDDs (WHO-def.) per 1000 insured people/day were prescribed. Overall, omeprazole use decreased over the observation period and was steadily replaced by pantoprazole, especially when co-prescibed with clopidogrel. An on-label PPI-indication was not reported at first intake in 52.0% of new users.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilization of prescribed PPIs has decreased since 2016. However, a large proportion of new PPI-users had no documentation of a potential indication, and the sums of DDDs prescribed often seemed not to comply with guidelines.

Proton pump inhibitors and colorectal cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) is common worldwide, with reports suggesting that they may be overused. Several studies have found that PPI may affect colorectal cancer (CRC) risk.

AIM

To summarize current knowledge on the relationship between PPI and CRC from basic research, epidemiological and clinical studies.

METHODS

This systematic review was based on the patients, interventions, comparisons, outcome models and performed according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until May 17, 2021. The initial search returned 2591 articles, of which, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The studies were categorized as basic research studies (n = 12), epidemiological studies (n = 11), and CRC treatment studies (n = 5). The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool depending on the study design.

RESULTS

Data from basic research indicates that PPI do not stimulate CRC development via the trophic effect of gastrin but instead may paradoxically inhibit it. These studies also suggest that PPI may have properties beneficial for CRC treatment. PPI appear to have anti-tumor properties (omeprazole, pantoprazole), and are potential T lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase inhibitors (pantoprazole, ilaprazole), and chemosensitizing agents (pantoprazole). However, these mechanisms have not been confirmed in human trials. Current epidemiological studies suggest that there is no causal association between PPI use and increased CRC risk. Treatment studies show that concomitant PPI and capecitabine use may reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy resulting in poorer oncological outcomes, while also suggesting that pantoprazole may have a chemosensitizing effect with the fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) regimen.

CONCLUSION

An unexpected inhibitory effect of PPI on CRC carcinogenesis by way of several potential mechanisms is noted. This review identifies that different PPI agents may have differential effects on CRC treatment, with practical implications. Prospective studies are warranted to delineate this relationship and assess the role of individual PPI agents.

Reflux Symptoms: Functional and Structural Diseases and the Approach from the GI Specialist

The GI specialist has an important role to play in the long-term management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients to secure a proper diagnosis and the selection of best possible therapeutic strategy. Through intensified information and education, the implementation of national and international guidelines can be more effectively processed, whereupon a significant improvement in cost-effectiveness of the current management will be fostered. Regarding the more specific group of GERD patients, as represented by the so-called PPI-refractory patients, data have now emerged to guide us into the future. Noteworthy is that the majority of the alleged PPI-refractory GERD patients do not, after careful investigations, have GERD. Based on recently published RCT data, a clinically highly relevant difference in treatment success was noted in favor of laparoscopic antireflux surgery as compared to a variety of medical treatment alternatives. Likewise, it can be concluded that it seems as if the latter can only offer a limited effect. Whenever a corresponding powerful clinical difference in therapeutic outcome between different strategies and treatment alternatives is detected, this will have a huge impact on treatment algorithms and clinical management.

Validity of Secretin Stimulation Testing on Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy for Diagnosis of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is characterized by gastrinoma-induced hypergastrinemia causing excessive gastric acid secretion. Secretin stimulation tests (SSTs) are required for diagnosis in the majority of patients. Two case reports suggest that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) cause false SST results. Consequently, PPIs are discontinued to allow hyperchlorhydria to recur; however, uncontrolled acidity can cause life-threatening complications in those with underlying undiagnosed ZES. The aim of this study was to determine whether PPIs influence the validity of SSTs for the diagnosis of ZES.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed. Charts of patients who underwent SSTs were reviewed to determine whether they were performed on or off PPI and the test's accuracy by comparing the results with gold standard tests (diagnostic laboratory testing performed off PPI or surgical pathology consistent with gastrinoma). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of SST on PPI were calculated and results compared with SST off PPI using noninferiority analyses.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients corresponding to 29 SSTs were performed on PPI, and 70 patients corresponding to 107 SSTs were performed off PPI. Most of them were female and white and had multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. We found no false-positive or false-negative SSTs on PPI. Sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of SSTs on PPI were determined to be noninferior to SSTs off PPI (P ≤ 0.05 for all).

DISCUSSION

In our cohort, SSTs on PPI compared with SSTs off PPI were noninferior for sensitivity, specificity, and PPV. These results suggest that PPI withdrawal before SSTs may not be necessary.

The long-term risk for myocardial infarction or stroke after proton pump inhibitor therapy (2008-2018)

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are well tolerated in the short term but have recently been associated with increased long-term cardiovascular risk in observational studies.

AIMS

To evaluate long-term risks of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischaemic stroke (IS) associated with PPI vs H₂ -receptor antagonist (H₂ RA) therapy in adults without pre-existing cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease METHODS: Using administrative claims data (2008-2018), we emulated a target trial comparing MI and IS risks in new users of PPIs vs H₂ RAs. Treatment was identified using dispensed prescriptions. MI and IS were defined using hospital discharge codes. Inverse probability weighting was used to adjust for confounding, and Cox models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Survival curves were estimated using weighted Kaplan-Meier estimators.

RESULTS

We identified 1 143 948 new users of PPIs and 36 229 new users of H₂ RAs who were free of prevalent cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. The mean follow-up time was 6.2 years for PPI initiators and 5.3 years for H₂ RA initiators. After 10 years, the HRs for MI and IS were 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80-1.16) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.89-1.08), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis of claims data of a large German health insurer did not provide evidence that PPI therapy increased the risk of MI or IS in the first decade after treatment initiation.

Therapeutic prevention of COVID-19 in elderly: a case-control study

COVID-19 is a particularly aggressive disease for the elderly as 86% of deaths related to COVID-19 occur in people over 65 years of age. Despite the urgent need for a preventive treatment, there are currently no serious leads, other than the vaccination. The aim of this retrospective case-control study is to find a pharmacological preventive treatment of COVID-19 in elderly patients. One-hundred-seventy-nine patients had been in contact with other COVID-19 patients at home or in hospital, of whom 89 had tested RT-PCR-positive (COVID-pos) for the virus and 90 had tested RT-PCR-negative (COVID-neg). Treatments within 15 days prior to RT-PCR (including antihypertensive drugs, antipsychotics, antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), oral antidiabetics (OADs), corticosteroids, immunosuppressants), comorbidities, symptoms, laboratory values, and clinical outcome were all collected. COVID-pos patients more frequently had a history of diabetes (P = .016) and alcoholism (P = .023), a lower leukocyte count (P = .014) and a higher mortality rate - 29.2% versus 14.4% - (P = .014) when compared to COVID-neg patients. Patients on PPIs were 2.3 times less likely (odds ratio [OR] = 0.4381, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.2331, 0.8175], P = .0053) to develop COVID-19 infection, compared to those not on PPIs. No other treatment decreased or increased this risk. COVID-pos patients on antipsychotics (P = .0013) and OADs (P = .0153), particularly metformin (P = .0237), were less likely to die. Thus, patients on treatment with PPI were less likely to develop COVID-19 infection, and those on antipsychotics or metformin had a lower risk of mortality. However, prospective studies, including clinical trials, are needed to confirm or not these findings.