Do proton pump inhibitors increase mortality? A systematic review and in-depth analysis of the evidence

Proton pump inhibitors associated with an increased risk of mortality in elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The increased use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the elderly has raised concerns about potential severe adverse effects. Our systematic review investigated the mortality associated with PPI use in elderly populations.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for relevant publications until August 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and observational studies on the association between proton pump inhibitors and mortality in the elderly. To estimate the pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), the inverse-variance random effect model was used. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Subgroup analyses were performed by follow-up period, population, and study design.

RESULTS

A total of 4 RCTs and 36 cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis. Four RCTs showed that there was no significant association between PPIs and the risk of death. From 23 observational studies (26 cohorts), the use of proton pump inhibitors was not significantly associated with increased mortality in the elderly (RR 1.14; 95% CI, 0.90-1.45). However, when controlling for covariates from 33 observational studies (41 cohorts), proton pump inhibitors in older adults aged 50 years or more were significantly associated with a 15% higher risk of mortality compared to nonusers (RR 1.15; 95% CI, 1.10-1.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis of RCTs found that PPIs did not show a significant association with increased mortality risk in older adults. However, the meta-analysis of cohort studies and long-term follow-up studies showed a higher increased risk of death with PPI use in older adults. The prescription of PPIs in patients aged 50 years or older should be carefully considered.

Inappropriate Use of Proton Pump Inhibitor Among Elderly Patients in British Columbia: What are the Long-term Adverse Events?

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most used classes of drugs. For most indications, PPIs are only recommended up to 8 weeks duration. However, PPI use continues to expand. Regular and prolonged use of PPIs should be avoided because of the risk of adverse events.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study was to (1) investigate the extent of PPI usage in people aged 65 or older in the province of British Columbia (BC), Canada, (2) provide an overview of the harms associated with the long-term use of PPIs.

METHODS

We examined utilization trends of the PPIs in BC since the year 2009 using PharmaNet, BC's medication dispensing database where the information is accessible to community pharmacists. We performed a comprehensive literature search for relevant reviews reporting harms associated with long-term use of PPIs. A search was conducted from January 2014 to June 2022.

RESULTS

Between 2000 and 2018 BC's population grew by 20%, but the use of PPIs escalated to 257%. Of these older British Columbians, 62% had a cumulative exposure exceeding 2 years and 42% exceeded 5 years. This is alarming because the recommended treatment duration is 4-12 weeks for common indications including reflux esophagitis, and duodenal and gastric ulcers. Only 13.5% were dispensed PPIs for 90 days or less. Patients on long-term PPI therapy should be reassessed. Adverse events of PPI use are common among older adults. We identified over 217 systematic reviews published during the last 8 years of specific harms associated with long-term daily usage of PPIs. These harms include increased risks of death, cardiovascular disease, acute renal injury, chronic kidney disease, dementia, fractures, hypomagnesemia, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, enteric infection (including C. difficile), pneumonia, and neoplasia (gastric cancer, carcinoids, and colon cancer), and drug interactions.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a high prevalence of PPI use among elderly populations in BC, Canada. The overutilization of PPIs is often a result of failure to re-evaluate the need for continuation of therapy. Published studies identified signals of serious harm from long-term PPI exposure. Healthcare providers with patients can reverse the relentless expansion of long-term PPI exposure by discussing the expected benefits and potential harms.

Adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on the renal system using data mining algorithms (DMAs)

BACKGROUND

Various adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, the effects of PPIs on the renal system are unclear so far. Thus, the main objective of the current study was to identify the possible signals of PPIs in the renal system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data mining algorithms such as proportional reporting ratio i.e. PRR (≥2) with associated chi-squared value (>4), reporting odds ratio i.e. ROR (≥2) with 95% confidence interval and case count (≥3) were calculated to identify a possible signal.

RESULTS

The calculated PRR and ROR have indicated a positive signal of PPIs with suspected chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, renal failure, renal injury, and end-stage renal disease. The subgroup analysis results have shown a greater number of cases in the age group (18-64 years) as compared to other age groups whereas the number of cases in the female was found to be more as compared to males. The sensitivity analysis results have also shown no significant impact of concomitantly administered drugs on the outcome.

CONCLUSION

PPIs may be associated with various ADRs on the renal system.

Proton Pump Inhibitors, Kidney Damage, and Mortality: An Updated Narrative Review

Since their approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become one of the most highly utilized drugs in the United States, assuming a position as one of the top 10 most prescribed medications in the country. The purpose of PPIs is to limit the amount of gastric acid secreted by the parietal cells via irreversible inhibition of the H+/K+-ATPase pump, therefore maintaining an elevated gastric acid pH of greater than 4 for 15-21 h. Even though PPIs have many clinical uses, they are not without their adverse effects, mimicking achlorhydria. Besides electrolyte abnormalities and vitamin deficiencies, long-term use of PPIs has been linked to acute interstitial nephritis, bone fractures, poor COVID-19 infection outcomes, pneumonia, and possibly an increase in all-cause mortality. The causality between PPI use and increased mortality and disease risk can be questioned since most studies are observational. Confounding variables can greatly affect an observational study and explain the wide-ranging associations with the use of PPIs. Patients on PPIs are generally older, obese, sicker with a higher number of baseline morbidities, and on more medications than the compared PPI non-users. These findings suggest that PPI users are at a higher risk of mortality and complications based on pre-existing conditions. This narrative review aims to update readers on the concerning effects that proton pump inhibitor use can have on patients and give providers a resource to create informed decisions on appropriate PPI use.

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.

Current management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-treatment costs, safety profile, and effectiveness: a narrative review

Background

The purpose of this study was to review the current management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), including treatment costs, safety profile and effectiveness.

Methods

A literature review was performed of randomized-controlled trials, systematic reviews, Cochrane reports and National/Societal guidelines of the medical, endoscopic and surgical management of GORD. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribing patterns and expenditure were reviewed in different countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and USA.

Results

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are primarily indicated for control of GORD, Helicobacter pylori eradication (combined with antibiotics), preventing NSAID-induced gastrointestinal bleeding and treating peptic ulcer disease. There is widespread overprescribing of PPIs in Western and Eastern nations in terms of indication and duration, with substantial expense for national health providers. Despite a favourable short-term safety profile, there are observational associations of adverse effects with long-term PPIs. These include nutrient malabsorption, enteric infections and cardiovascular events. The prevalence of PPI use makes their long-term safety profile clinically relevant. Cost-benefit, symptom control and quality-of-life outcomes favour laparoscopic fundoplication rather than chronic PPI treatment. Laparoscopic fundoplication in long-term management of PPI-responsive GORD is supported by SAGES, NICE and ACG, and PPI-refractory GORD by AGA and SAGES guidelines. The importance of establishing a definitive diagnosis prior to invasive management is emphasized, especially in PPI-refractory heartburn.

Conclusions

We examined evidence-based guidelines for PPI prescribing and deprescribing in primary care and hospital settings and the need for PPI stewardship and education of health professionals. This narrative review presents the advantages and disadvantages of surgical, endoscopic and medical management of GORD, which may assist in shared decision making and treatment choice in individual patients.This paper was presented (GS020) at the 88th RACS Annual Scientific Conference, 6-10 May, 2019.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: History, Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future Directions

Over the past decade, the role of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication has evolved from a diagnostic tool for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), by excluding patients with PPI responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE), to a therapy for EoE. This transition resulted from the Updated International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Proceedings of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE) Conference to support PPI therapy for EoE in children and adults. Additional recent advances have suggested a role for genetic variations that might impact response to PPI therapy for EoE. This review article will explore a brief background of EoE, the evolution of PPI therapy for EoE and its proposed mechanisms, efficacy and safety in children and adults, and considerations for future PPI precision medicine in patients with EoE.

Proton Pump Inhibitors: Exploring Cardiovascular Complications and Prescription Protocol

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most extensively prescribed medications internationally for gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment and the prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding. Their efficiency, ease of availability, and low side effect profile offer several advantages over other treatment modalities. Long-term use and inappropriate prescribing habits have increased the presence of this class of drugs, prompting several studies to reassess their adverse effects. This article explored the possibility of a relationship between PPIs and cardiovascular adverse effects while highlighting the current prescription guidelines for PPIs. We further examined the need for more research into the etiology of PPI-related cardiovascular adverse effects and strategies to alleviate these risks.

Association between Proton Pump Inhibitors and Hearing Impairment: A Nested Case-Control Study

This study investigated the association of previous use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with the rate of hearing impairment. The ≥40-year-old population in the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort was enrolled. The 6626 registered hearing-impaired patients were matched with 508,240 control participants for age, sex, income, region of residence, and index date (date of hearing impairment diagnosis). The prescription histories of PPIs were collected for 2 years before the index date. The odds ratios of the duration of PPI use for hearing impairment were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. Subgroups of age/sex and severity of hearing impairments were additionally analyzed for the relation of PPI use with hearing impairment. PPI use for 30-365 days was associated with a 1.65-times higher odds of hearing impairment (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.47-1.86 for 30-365 days of PPI medication). PPI use for ≥365 days was also related to 1.52-times higher odds of hearing impairment (95% CI = 1.35-1.72, p < 0.001). All age and sex subgroups demonstrated a positive association between PPI use and hearing impairment. Severe hearing impairment showed consistently higher odds of a relation with PPI use. PPI use was associated with an increased rate of hearing impairment.