Overuse of proton pump inhibitors

Pharmacist-led interventions for vascular surgery patients: a prospective study on reducing drug-related problems

BACKGROUND

Vascular surgery patients are at a high risk of polypharmacy and drug-related problems. Only a limited number of studies have explored the impact of hospital pharmacists being members of a multidisciplinary team in the care of vascular surgery patients. The clinical study (Trial Registration Number NCT04930302, 16th June 2021) aimed to assess the impact of pharmacist-led interventions on the prevalence of drug-related problems among patients hospitalised at the vascular surgery department.

METHODS

The study, conducted at a specialised hospital in Slovakia during a 1-year period, included adult patients with carotid artery disease or lower extremity artery disease, taking ≥3 medications. Medication reconciliation and medication reviews were performed by hospital pharmacists at both admission and discharge. Pharmacist-proposed interventions were documented and communicated to the physician, patients were educated about their medications upon discharge.

RESULTS

Among our study participants (n = 105), the average number of drug-related problems at admission was 2.3 ± 2.1, significantly decreasing to 1.6 ± 1.8 at discharge (p < 0.001). The predominant drug classes associated with drug-related problems were those related to the cardiovascular system (41.9%). At admission, the most frequent drug-related problem was untreated indication (40.3%), mostly caused by the failure to prescribe statin in patients with lower extremity artery disease. The highest acceptance rate of pharmacist-led interventions was at hospital admission (66.1%). More than 50% of patients were classified as those with good understanding of their pharmacotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that pharmacist-led interventions significantly reduce drug-related problems in vascular surgery patients during hospitalisation, contributing to patient safety and clinical outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Trial Registration Number: NCT04930302, 16th June 2021.

Efficacy of a computer based discontinuation strategy to reduce PPI prescriptions: a multicenter cluster-randomized controlled trial

Deprescribing of inappropriate long-term proton pump inhibitors (PPI) is challenging and there is a lack of useful methods for general practitioners to tackle this. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of the electronic decision aid tool arriba-PPI on reduction of long-term PPI intake. Participants (64.5 ± 12.9 years; 54.4% women) with a PPI intake of at least 6 months were randomized to receive either consultation with arriba-PPI from their general practitioner (n = 1256) or treatment as usual (n = 1131). PPI prescriptions were monitored 6 months before, 6 and 12 months after study initiation. In 49.2% of the consultations with arriba-PPI, the general practitioners and their patients made the decision to reduce or discontinue PPI intake. At 6 months, there was a significant reduction by 22.3% (95% CI 18.55 to 25.98; p < 0.0001) of defined daily doses (DDD) of PPI. A reduction of 3.3% (95% CI - 7.18 to + 0.62) was observed in the control group. At 12 months, the reduction of DDD-PPI remained stable in intervention patients (+ 3.5%, 95% CI - 0.99 to + 8.03), whereas control patients showed a reduction of DDD-PPI (- 10.2%, 95% CI - 6.01 to - 14.33). Consultation with arriba-PPI led to reduced prescription rates of PPI in primary care practices. Arriba-PPI can be a helpful tool for general practitioners to start a conversation with their patients about risks of long-term PPI intake, reduction or deprescribing unnecessary PPI medication.

Risk factor profiles for gastric cancer prediction with respect to Helicobacter pylori: A study of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Diagnosis relies on histopathology and the number of endoscopies is increasing. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major risk factor.

AIM

To develop an in-silico GC prediction model to reduce the number of diagnostic surgical procedures. The meta-data of patients with gastroduodenal symptoms, risk factors associated with GC, and H. pylori infection status from Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan, were used with machine learning.

METHODS

A cohort of 341 patients was divided into three groups [normal gastric mucosa (NGM), gastroduodenal diseases (GDD), and GC]. Information associated with socioeconomic and demographic conditions and GC risk factors was collected using a questionnaire. H. pylori infection status was determined based on urea breath test. The association of these factors and histopathological grades was assessed statistically. K-Nearest Neighbors and Random Forest (RF) machine learning models were tested.

RESULTS

This study reported an overall frequency of 64.2% (219/341) of H. pylori infection among enrolled subjects. It was higher in GC (74.2%, 23/31) as compared to NGM and GDD and higher in males (54.3%, 119/219) as compared to females. More abdominal pain (72.4%, 247/341) was observed than other clinical symptoms including vomiting, bloating, acid reflux and heartburn. The majority of the GC patients experienced symptoms of vomiting (91%, 20/22) with abdominal pain (100%, 22/22). The multinomial logistic regression model was statistically significant and correctly classified 80% of the GDD/GC cases. Age, income level, vomiting, bloating and medication had significant association with GDD and GC. A dynamic RF GC-predictive model was developed, which achieved > 80% test accuracy.

CONCLUSION

GC risk factors were incorporated into a computer model to predict the likelihood of developing GC with high sensitivity and specificity. The model is dynamic and will be further improved and validated by including new data in future research studies. Its use may reduce unnecessary endoscopic procedures. It is freely available.

Assessment of proton-pump inhibitor use at a tertiary teaching hospital in Nigeria

Background:

Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) is a widely used medication class globally. Because of its good safety profile, there is a huge likelihood of inappropriate use.

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence of PPI use and indications, describe its pattern of usage, and identify factors associated with inappropriate prescriptions at a federal tertiary teaching hospital in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Methods:

PPI prescriptions were retrospectively assessed in the General Outpatients’ Department (GOPD) and Gastroenterology Unit (GITU) of a teaching hospital. Relevant data for the study were extracted from the patients’ medical records. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests where appropriate were used to identify factors associated with inappropriate PPI prescriptions. A p < 0.05 was considered to be significant.

Results:

PPIs were prescribed to 73.3% (220/300) of patients, while inappropriate prescriptions were noted in 91.4% (201/220) of these patients. Epigastric pain (49.5%) was the most common PPI indication, while omeprazole was the highest prescribed (53.4%). Nearly all inpatients (98.2%), those with epigastric pain (95.7%), and patients who were prescribed intravenous PPIs had more inappropriate PPI prescriptions compared to others.

Conclusion:

This study revealed a high prevalence of PPI use and inappropriate prescriptions at the study hospital. As a result, these findings highlight the importance PPI-based stewardship program at the study hospital.

Association of Proton Pump Inhibitors With Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Failure

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations of cumulative exposure to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with total cardiovascular disease (CVD; composed of stroke, coronary heart disease, and heart failure [HF]) and HF alone in a cohort study of White and African American participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

METHODS

Use of PPIs was assessed by pill bottle inspection at visit 1 (January 1, 1987 to 1989) and up to 10 additional times before baseline (visit 5; 2011 to 2013). We calculated cumulative exposure to PPIs as days of use from visit 1 to baseline. Participants (n=4346 free of total CVD at visit 5; mean age, 75 years) were observed for incident total CVD and HF events through December 31, 2016. We used Cox regression to measure associations of PPIs with total CVD and HF.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounding variables, participants with a cumulative exposure to PPIs of more than 5.1 years had a 2.02-fold higher risk of total CVD (95% CI, 1.50 to 2.72) and a 2.21-fold higher risk of HF (95% CI, 1.51 to 3.23) than nonusers.

CONCLUSION

Long-term PPI use was associated with twice the risk of total CVD and HF compared with nonusers. Our findings are in concordance with other research and suggest another reason to be cautious of PPI overuse.

Controversial link between proton pump inhibitors and anticancer agents: review of the literature

Drug-drug interactions represent a topic of great interest, not only due to the risk of unexpected adverse events but also due to the possibility of altering the effectiveness of a specific treatment. Inappropriate or concomitant use of drugs can often lead to changes in the bioavailability of various compounds, resulting in pharmacokinetic alterations. A recent example is the concomitant administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and anticancer agents. PPIs are overused beyond their classic indications, resulting in a high risk of interactions with other drugs, such as anticancer agents, both PO and intravenous. However, the real clinical impact of concomitant acid suppression therapy and anticancer therapies remains controversial and is not yet fully understood. Certainly, the gut microbiota plays a key role in regulating the response of the immune system, and PPIs can significantly alter the gut microbiome, resulting in gut dysbiosis. Indeed, while the link sometimes appears to lead to negative outcomes, as in the case of immunotherapy, oral capecitabine, or tyrosine kinase inhibitors, in other cases, it seems to enhance the effectiveness of intravenous chemotherapy. In this review, I analyse the possible drug interactions between PPIs and the main classes of anticancer drugs.

[Evidence-Based Indication for Proton Pump Inhibitors - a Group Practice Perspective]

Evidence-Based Indication for Proton Pump Inhibitors - a Group Practice Perspective Abstract. Little is known about the extent of non-evidence-based proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescriptions in the general practice setting in Switzerland. A recommendation for long-term therapy was included in the "Top 5 list" of "smarter medicine" for the outpatient internal medicine in 2014. The observational study recorded the proportion of patients without evidence-based indication for PPI in a practice with six general practitioners retrospectively over three months. Of 2225 patients analysed, 11.1 % (n = 248) took a PPI. The percentage of patients without a clear evidence-based indication was 46.8 %. Almost every second patient did not have a clear evidence-based indication for PPI. The results could be an incentive for general practitioners to reconsider the indication when prescribing PPI, also in the sense of "smarter medicine".

A retrospective study on prescribing pattern and cost analysis of proton-pump inhibitors used among adults of Saudi Arabia

Objective

To evaluate the use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) for treatment of different gastric disease in Saudi population and their related administration cost.

Materials and methods

It was a cross-sectional retrospective drug utilization study. The utilization rates and cost analysis of each PPIs class of drugs were compared. Study data were obtained from pharmacy database. Data between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019 were investigated, including incidence, prevalence and duration of use of proton-pump inhibitors among adults of Saudi Arabia.

Key findings

We observed 26 798 (4.27%) prescription of PPIs were dispensed in the in-patient and out-patient pharmacy department of Al-Mana Group of Hospital (AGH) Al khobar. Among all the PPIs user, more than the half ((53.01%, n = 14 208), 95% CI (52.42–53.62)) were male. 30–40 years age patients (24.57%, 95% CI (24.06–25.09) (n = 6585)) were highest number of PPI users. Nearly, equal number of PPI users belongs between 51–60 years ((20.88%, n = 5596), 95% CI (20.40–21.37)) and &gt;60 years ((20.36%, n = 5456), 95% CI (19.8–20.85)). Among all the dispensed PPIs drugs, Pantoprazole is dispensed to the highest number of patients (79.09% (95% CI, 78.61–79.58) (n = 21 197)) while their average duration of therapy was 18.86 days. Among all PPIs, pantoprazole average unit wise cost was highest SR 8.83 (USD 2.35) in comparison to other PPIs.

Conclusion

In our study, among all the PPIs Pantoprazole was prescribed to the highest number of patients also it was costliest; hence, their safe and effective use must be warranted. Current study will also help in to develop nation database regarding utilization of proton-pump inhibitors.

[Use and management of proton pump inhibitors: An observational study]

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have improved the management and prevention of digestive diseases, leading to a heavy prescription of this therapy. In 2015, nearly one quarter of the French population had consumed a PPI and half of them were long-term users. The main objective of this study was to analyze, in patients hospitalized in several medical departments, the adequacy of long-term PPI prescriptions to recommendations.

METHOD

The Use and management of proton pump inhibitors: an observational study project (UTOPPIA) is a longitudinal observational study conducted at the University Hospital of Saint-Étienne in the departments of hepato-gastroenterology, infectious and tropical diseases, internal medicine, vascular medicine and nephrology. All patients with PPI treatment on their usual outpatient prescription were interviewed.

RESULTS

Over a 3-month period, 334 of hospitalized patients (30.7%) had received a long-term PPI prescription and 181 patients (54.2%) could be included in the study for a total of 274 indications. Ninety-nine patients (54.7%) had a long-term PPI prescription in accordance with the recommendations. The most frequent indication (70 prescriptions) was the prescription of an antiplatelet drug or anticoagulant for subjects at high risk of bleeding in 70 prescriptions. Fifty-three PPI treatments were amended during the hospital stay, including 9 discontinuations. The justification for the change was documented in the patients' chart in only 17% of cases. Individual interviews of patients revealed that 75.1% of them were in favour of discontinuing their PPI treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

About one-third of hospitalized patients in medical wards in France have long-term PPI treatment and half of these prescriptions do not comply with good practice recommendations. A majority of patients report being willing to try to stop PPI therapy.

Community pharmacy-based H. pylori screening for patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori is identified by the World Health Organization as a major risk factor of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinomas. As point-of-care screening technology becomes more widely available, pharmacists are ideally suited to use this tool to screen patients with H. pylori infection.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing point-of-care screening technology for H. pylori into community pharmacy practice and to assess the number of patients who are positively identified as a result of testing.

METHODS

Three pharmacies in Toronto, Ontario, offered H. pylori screening as part of their clinical programs. Pharmacists enrolled patients with symptoms of dyspepsia and/or receiving acid suppressant therapy for >6 weeks. Decision to screen was based on the Canadian Helicobacter Study Group Consensus (CHSG). Patients were screened using the Rapid Response H. pylori test.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were recruited, with a mean age of 46.3 years. Patients were ethnically diverse, with a significant proportion (59.2%) identified as being born outside of North America, including Asia (26.8%), Africa (9.9%), the Middle East (7%), Europe (9.9%) and South and Central America (5.6%). Overall, the detection rate of H. pylori infection was 21%. North Americans had the lowest incidence of an undiagnosed H. pylori infection (6.9%). Europeans (28.6%), Middle Easterners (20%) and Asians (21.1%) had a moderate incidence, followed by the highest prevalence in those of African descent (71.4%).

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the readiness of community pharmacists to adopt H. pylori screening into practice and to leverage this novel technology to positively identify and treat undiagnosed H. pylori infection. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2020;153:xx-xx.

Deprescribing Proton Pump Inhibitors in an Academic, Primary Care Clinic: Quality Improvement Project

GOAL

The goal of this study was to reduce the percentage of inappropriately prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients aged 50 and older from 80% (baseline) to 60% within 12 months in an academic, internal medicine clinic.

BACKGROUND

The use of PPIs has increased drastically worldwide. Internal medicine clinic patients had inappropriate use of PPIs for an average of 4 to 5 years.

STUDY

A multidisciplinary quality improvement team used the Plan-Do-Study-Act Model of health care improvement and performed a root cause analysis to identify barriers to inappropriate use of PPIs. The outcome measure was the percentage of patients inappropriately prescribed PPI. Process measures were completion rates of PPI risk assessment and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Interventions included the creation of customized electronic health record templates and education to providers and patients. Analysis was performed using monthly statistical process control charts.

RESULTS

The average rate of PPI discontinuation was 51.1% (n=92/180), which corresponds to 30.0% inappropriate PPI usage within 12 months. The mean PPI discontinuation rate in the 1-year prestudy, study and 6 months poststudy period was 2.0%, 32.0%, and 49.7%, respectively. The mean esophagogastroduodenoscopy completion rate was 49.8% from the baseline of <30%.

CONCLUSIONS

We achieved a statistically significant and sustainable reduction of inappropriate PPI use to 30% from the baseline rates of 80% and surpassed our goal within 12 months. This quality improvement was unique as no pharmacy personnel was utilized in this process. The multifaceted strategies in a safety-net internal medicine clinic resulted in successful deprescribing of PPI and can be replicated in other setting.

Cost-Utility and Budget Impact Analysis for Stopping the Inappropriate Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors After Cessation of NSAID or Low-Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid Treatment

BACKGROUND

In accordance with current guidelines, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are now generally prescribed as a protective co-medication in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (LDASA). However, less attention is paid to the corresponding discontinuation of a PPI after cessation of NSAID or LDASA treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the extent of inappropriate PPI use, as the proportion of patients who started a PPI as a protective co-medication but continued using these drugs after cessation of NSAID and LDASA treatment. We also sought to estimate the potential cost savings and effect gains of discontinuing inappropriate PPI use and the resulting decrease in adverse effects and their detrimental consequences.

METHODS

Pharmacy dispensing data were used to map inappropriate PPI use in 2014 for community-dwelling patients. Strategies with or without PPI continuation were compared in the cost-utility analysis for a time horizon of 5 years from a healthcare perspective. Subsequently, incremental costs and effects (quality-adjusted life-years) were estimated with a Markov model.

RESULTS

Related to NSAID and LDASA treatment, 11.0% and 5%, respectively, of the PPI users were found to inappropriately continue PPI co-treatment. Discontinuation in 71- to 80-year-old patients suggested cost savings of €170.46 (95% confidence interval 75-282) at a 0.003 (95% confidence interval 0.001-0.005) quality-adjusted life-year increase. The total budget impact of stopping inappropriate PPI use related to NSAID/LDASA treatment in the Netherlands would amount to almost €1,050,000 after 1 year. Correspondingly, successful interventions to stop a patient's inappropriate use would cost up to €29 and probably would pay for themselves in the following years.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial number of patients inappropriately continue to use a PPI after cessation of NSAID or LDASA treatment. Because adverse effects and their detrimental consequences are avoided, interventions to stop inappropriate PPI use, particularly in older patients, are likely to pay for themselves.

The analysis of the use of potentially inappropriate medications in elderly in the Slovak Republic

Background The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) using explicit criteria has been well documented in European countries, however, there is a lack of evidence in the Slovak Republic. There are no specific guidelines and there is a lack of geriatricians in Slovakia. Higher use of PIM leads to greater healthcare services use as well as increases healthcare costs. Objective The aim of this study was to perform an evaluation of the availability and the actual use of PIM by geriatric patients in the nursing homes in Slovakia. Setting Together 459 residents ≥ 65 years living in nursing homes in the Slovak Republic were included for analysis of their drug therapy. Methods Retrospective analysis of medical records of patients' therapy for evaluation of PIM use. Identification of PIM was based on the Renom-Guiteras EU7 PIM list published in 2015. Main outcome measure Potentially inappropriate medications use. The presence of polypharmacy in patients. Results Inappropriate drug use according to EU7 PIM list was identified in 90.60% (416) patients. The mean number of PIM was 2.34 ± 0.07 PIM/patient/day. Polypharmacy (use of ≥ 5 drugs by patient daily) was found in 83% of all patients. The mean number of prescribed drugs was 8.32 ± 0.17 drugs/patient/day. Out of all 282 PIM listed in EU7 PIM list, there are 150 (53.19%) available on the Slovak market and 86 (30.50%) were used in patients. Patients using at least one PIM took two times more drugs compared to patients without PIM (8.77 ± 0.17 vs. 3.98 ± 0.39 drugs/patient/day, p < 0.001). The most common PIM were PPI (36% of patients), piracetam (17.2%) and alprazolam (16.80%). Conclusions The risk of PIM was almost 9.5 times higher if polypharmacy was present in geriatric patients (OR 9.51, 95% CI, 4.86 - 18.61, p < 0.001). There was a strong, positive correlation (ρ = 0.65) between the number of drugs and the number of PIM (p < 0.01). There was neither association between age/gender of patient and polypharmacy; nor age/gender of patient and presence of PIM. The lack of geriatricians and national guidelines for inappropriate prescribing results in alarmingly high use of PIM in the Slovak Republic.

Passing the acid test? Evaluating the impact of national education initiatives to reduce proton pump inhibitor use in Australia

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is widespread. There have been increasing concerns about overuse of high-dose PPIs for durations longer than clinically necessary.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of national education initiatives on reducing PPI use in Australia.

DESIGN

Population-based, controlled interrupted time series analysis of PPI dispensing claims data for Australian adults from July 2012 to June 2018; we used statin dispensing as a control.

INTERVENTIONS

A year-long educational initiative led by NPS MedicineWise (previously the National Prescribing Service) from April 2015. Simultaneously, Choosing Wisely released recommendations in April 2015 and May 2016. Both promoted review of prolonged PPI use and encouraged stepping down or ceasing treatment, where appropriate.

MEASUREMENTS

We examined monthly changes in PPI (and statin) dispensing (stratified by high, standard and low tablet strength), rates of switching from higher to lower strength PPIs and rates of PPI (and statin) discontinuation.

RESULTS

We observed 12 040 021 PPI dispensings to 579 594 people. We observed a sustained -1.7% (95% CI: -2.7 to -0.7%) decline in monthly dispensing of standard strength PPIs following the initiatives until the end of the study period. There were no significant changes in high or low strength PPI (or statin) dispensings, switching to lower strength PPIs, or PPI (and statin) treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that these educational initiatives alone were insufficient in curbing overuse of PPIs on a national level. Concerted efforts with policy levers such as imposing tighter restrictions on subsidised use of PPIs may be more effective. Noting low strength esomeprazole is not publicly subsidised in Australia, availability of these preparations may also facilitate more appropriate practice.

Review of Drug-induced Injury in Mucosal Biopsies From the Tubular Gastrointestinal Tract

The use of prescription and over-the-counter medications is on the rise in the US population, especially among those aged 65 and over, with over 46% of the population taking at least 1 prescription medication. Given the frequency of medication use, and that the majority of these medications are taken orally, it has become increasingly relevant for pathologist examining endoscopically obtained gastrointestinal tract mucosal biopsies to consider and recognize patterns of mucosal injury associated with various drugs. Reports on injuries associated with certain classes of drugs can be scattered among different sources, making a comprehensive view of various injury patterns and the drugs known to cause them difficult to obtain. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the drugs known to cause mucosal injuries in the tubular gastrointestinal tract organized by the organ involved and the prominent pattern of injury.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been linked to acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, current evidence has only been evaluated in a small number of studies with short follow-up periods. This study examined the association between PPI use and risk of incident AKI and CKD in a large population-based health maintenance organization (HMO) cohort.

METHODS

Patients aged 18 years or older, without evidence of preexisting renal disease, started on PPI therapy, and those continuously enrolled for at least 12 months between July 1993 and September 2008 were identified in an HMO database. Incidences of AKI and CKD were defined using documented International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes or a glomerular filtration rate less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m² after initiation of PPI therapy. Patients with AKI were followed for up to 90 days (cohort 1), and patients with CKD required at least 1 year of follow-up (cohort 2). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for differences in demographics (excluding race), comorbidities, and medication use between groups.

RESULTS

In 93,335 patients in the AKI cohort, 16,593 of whom were exposed to PPIs, the incidence rate of AKI was higher in the PPI group than nonusers (36.4 vs 3.54 per 1000 person-years, p<0.0001, respectively). In adjusted models, PPI exposure was associated with an increased risk of AKI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.14-6.04, p<0.0001). In 84,600 patients in the CKD cohort, 14,514 of whom were exposed to PPIs, the incidence rate of CKD was higher in the PPI group than nonusers (34.3 vs 8.75 per 1000 person-years, p<0.0001, respectively). In adjusted models, PPIs were associated with a higher risk of CKD compared with controls (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12-1.28, p<0.0001). Associations between PPI use and AKI and CKD persisted in propensity score-matched analyses.

CONCLUSION

The use of PPIs is associated with an increased risk of incident AKI and CKD. This relationship could have a considerable public health impact; therefore, health care provider education and deprescribing initiatives will be necessary to raise awareness and reduce health care burden.

Adverse outcomes of long-term use of proton pump inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The association between the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the risks of various diseases remains controversial. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to quantify the associations as presented in the literature and to also provide this information to healthcare professionals and patients about their potentially adverse effects. In July 2016, we searched through Medline (PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception using common keywords. We included observational studies that provided risk estimates on the long-term use of PPIs and their adverse effects. Overall, 43 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 28 studies were also included in the random effect meta-analysis. Odds of community-acquired pneumonia, hip fracture, and colorectal cancer were 67% [odds ratio (OR)=1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-2.67], 42% (OR=1.42; 95% CI: 1.33-1.53), and 55% (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 0.88-2.73) higher in patients with long-term PPIs use compared with patients who did not use PPIs. Although the use of PPIs provides short-term health benefits, their prolonged use is associated with minor and also potentially major adverse health outcomes. Hence, we strongly recommend that the prescription of PPIs should be done with caution to improve the medication's efficacy and patients' safety.

Attitude and knowledge of Saudi community pharmacists towards use of proton pump inhibitors

Introduction

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) effectively suppress acid secretion and play an important role in peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. There is a real concern about the overutilization of PPIs, which will lead to significant high cost and undesirable outcomes. Despite that most of PPIs are classified as prescribed medications, yet most of their users take them without prescription in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it was important to understand community pharmacists practice in dealing with PPIs and to evaluate their despising pattern of these medications.

Method

A cross-sectional survey-based study that was carried out between September and December 2017. The survey intended to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of CPs towards use of proton pump inhibitors and was built as an online survey.

Results

The results of this study showed that almost all CPs prescribe anti-ulcer drugs for their patients. Most of the participants (68.4%) have prescribed PPI for acute gastritis (68.4%), prophylaxis for stress ulcers (17.7%) and stress ulcer (11.1%). 54.9 percent of the participants recommend using acid suppression drugs for 1 to 2 weeks when they prescribe them to their patients. Thirty-two percent of the respondents had reported adverse events with PPIs. The study showed a significant association between length of work experience in community pharmacy and reporting adverse events.

Conclusion

Community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia usually recommend and prescribe PPIs to their patients. Most of them have some knowledge on PPIs indications and side effects. Managing OTC PPI use in the community pharmacy setting is necessary to promote both patient and medication safety.

Proton pump inhibitor as an independent factor of progression of abdominal aortic calcification in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

BACKGROUNDS

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be associated with vascular calcification in patients undergoing dialysis through hypomagnesemia. However, only few studies have demonstrated the influence of PPIs on vascular calcification in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). This study aimed to investigate whether the use of PPIs accelerates vascular calcification in patients on HD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 200 HD patients who underwent regular blood tests and computed tomography (CT) between 2016 and 2017. The abdominal aortic calcification index (ACI) was measured using abdominal CT. The difference in the ACI values between 2016 and 2017 was evaluated as ΔACI. Patients were divided into PPI and non-PPI groups, and variables, such as patient background, medication, laboratory data, and ΔACI were compared. Factors independently associated with higher ΔACI progression (≥ third tertile value of ΔACI in this study) were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The PPI and non-PPI groups had 112 (56%) and 88 (44%) patients, respectively. Median and third tertile value of ΔACIs were 4.2% and 5.8%, respectively. Serum magnesium was significantly lower in the PPI (2.1 mg/dL) than in the non-PPI (2.3 mg/dL) group (P <0.001). Median ΔACI was significantly higher in the PPI (5.0%) than in the non-PPI (3.8%) group (P = 0.009). A total of 77 (39%) patients had a higher ΔACI. Multivariate analysis revealed that PPIs (odds ratio = 2.23; 95% confidence interval = 1.11-4.49), annual mean calcium phosphorus product, ACI in 2016, baseline serum magnesium levels, and HD vintage were independent factors associated with higher ΔACI progression after adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSION

PPI use may accelerate vascular calcification in patients on HD. Further studies are necessary to elucidate their influence on vascular calcification.

The Association Between Proton Pump Inhibitor Use With Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medicines and are the mainstay of treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of these medicines for unclear and inappropriate indications. Although generally well tolerated and considered to be safe, several observational studies have linked PPI use with a variety of conditions such as pneumonia, Clostridium difficile infection, fractures, hypomagnesemia, and dementia. The well-established association between PPIs and acute interstitial nephritis has raised questions about whether they may also cause acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Observational studies have evaluated these possible associations. This paper reviews the currently available literature about these associations and considers their possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The level of evidence-linking PPI use with acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease is weak and does not establish causality. More research is required to explore these possible associations further. The PPIs should be used in the lowest effective dose and inappropriate use should be avoided.

Acid-suppressive drugs and risk of kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

More concerns had been raised about the risk of kidney disease (KD) associated with acid-suppressive drugs. But whether they could directly increase such risk remained unclear. Meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively investigate this relationship.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and three Chinese databases were searched until April 2017 for observational studies investigating the associations between acid-suppressive drugs and KD. Pooled log (odds ratios [ORs]) or log (hazard ratios [HRs]) with standard errors for KD risk were calculated using the generic inverse variance method and random-effect model.

RESULTS

Ten studies involving 128 020 KD patients were included. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy was associated with higher risks of acute interstitial nephritis (OR, 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-6.17), acute kidney injury (AKI) (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.33-2.59), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.09), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.26-2.04) than non-PPI therapy. Additionally, PPI significantly increased the risks of AKI (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.16-1.51), CKD (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.24-1.33), and ESRD (HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.21-3.17) compared with histamine 2 receptor antagonist (H2 RA). Relationship between H2 RA therapy and AKI (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.90-1.07) or CKD (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.89-1.11) was not found.

CONCLUSIONS

Proton pump inhibitor therapy significantly increased the risks of acute interstitial nephritis, AKI, CKD, and ESRD. Similar risks were not identified for H2 RA therapy. More clinical trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Identification of medication discrepancies during hospital admission in Jordan: Prevalence and risk factors

OBJECTIVES

Medication errors are considered among the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in hospital setting. Among these errors are discrepancies identified during transfer of patients from one care unit to another, from one physician care to another, or upon patient discharge. Thus, the aims of this study were to identify the prevalence and types of medication discrepancies at the time of hospital admission to a tertiary care teaching hospital in Jordan and to identify risk factors affecting the occurrence of these discrepancies.

METHODS

A three months prospective observational study was conducted at the department of internal medicine at Jordan university hospital. During the study period, 200 patients were selected using convenience sampling, and a pre-prepared data collection form was used for data collection. Later, a comparison between the pre-admission and admission medication was conducted to identify any possible discrepancies, and all of these discrepancies were discussed with the responsible resident to classify them into intentional (documentation errors) or unintentional. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess risk factors associated with the occurrence of unintentional discrepancies.

RESULTS

A total of 412 medication discrepancies were identified at the time of hospital admission. Among them, 144 (35%) were identified as unintentional while the remaining 268 (65%) were identified as intentional discrepancies. Ninety-four patients (47%) were found to have at least one unintentional discrepancy and 92 patients (46%) had at least one documentation error. Among the unintentional discrepancies, 97 (67%) were found to be associated with a potential harm/deterioration to the patients. Increasing patients' age (beta = 0.195, p-value = .013) and being treated by female residents (beta = 0.139, p-value = .045) were significantly associated with higher number of discrepancies.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of unintentional discrepancies at the time of hospital admission was alarmingly high. Majority of these discrepancies were associated with a potential harm to the patients. These findings support the necessity for implementing the medication reconciliation service in the country, engaging healthcare providers in the process of identification and resolution of medication discrepancies.

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

BACKGROUND

The use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) has grown worldwide, and there are concerns about increased unsubstantiated long-term use. The aim of the study was to describe the real-world use of PPIs over the past decade in an entire national population.

METHODS

This was a nationwide population-based drug-utilization study. Patterns of outpatient PPI use among adults in Iceland between 2003 and 2015 were investigated, including annual incidence and prevalence, duration of use, and dose of tablet used (lower versus higher), as well as the proportion of PPI use attributable to gastroprotection.

RESULTS

We observed 1,372,790 prescription fills over the entire study period, of which 95% were for higher-dose PPIs. Annual incidence remained stable across time (3.3-4.1 per 100 persons per year), while the annual prevalence increased from 8.5 per 100 persons to 15.5 per 100 persons. Prevalence increased with patient age and was higher among women than men. Duration of treatment increased with patients' age (36% of users over 80 years remained on treatment after 1 year compared with 13% of users aged 19-39 years), and was longer among those initiating on a higher dose compared with a lower dose. The proportion of PPI users concurrently using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs decreased over the study period, while the proportion concurrently using acetylsalicylic acid, oral anticoagulants, or platelet inhibitors increased.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide study, a considerable increase in overall outpatient use of PPIs over a 13-year period was observed, particularly among older adults. Patients were increasingly treated for longer durations than recommended by clinical guidelines and mainly with higher doses.

[Proton pump inhibitors and kidney]

Assumed for a long time to be very well tolerated, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed for inpatients and outpatients; often beyond their validated indications. Nevertheless, many very varied side effects (pneumopathy, ischemic heart disease, dementia) have been associated with the PPIs during the last decade. Renal toxicity is mainly the occurrence of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), related to a drug-class effect, involving cellular immunity. AINs, which occur especially in elderly patients, can be difficult to diagnose, with frequently isolated acute kidney injury, appearing with variable delay after the introduction of PPIs. Although sensitive to steroid therapy, patients frequently have an incomplete recovery of the kidney function. Very recently, the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the risk of progression of CKD among PPIs users have been well demonstrated in several large independent epidemiological studies. It is a low, but a significant side effect because of the millions of PPI prescriptions. Although further studies are needed to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms leading the use of PPI to CKD, it is appropriate for the physicians to limit PPIs to their correct indications and to monitor renal function during these treatments.

We have had a gutful: The need for deprescribing proton pump inhibitors

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribing may often be inappropriate and expose patients to a risk of adverse effects, while incurring unnecessary healthcare expenditure. Our objective was to determine PPI usage in Australia since 2002 and review international studies investigating inappropriate PPI prescribing, including those that discussed interventions to address this issue.

METHODS

Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) data were analysed. A narrative literature review relevant to the objective was conducted. Time series analysis was also used to examine the trend of reported PPI appropriate use across the international studies included in this review.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Proton pump inhibitor use in Australia increased between 2002 and 2010 and then gradually decreased. Estimates of the extent of inappropriate use in the international literature had a wide variation (11-84%). There appeared to be little change in the extent of appropriate PPI use reported through 34 international studies from 2000 to 2016. Interventions to address inappropriate use included patient-centred deprescribing, academic detailing, educational programmes and drug safety notifications.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Proton pump inhibitors continue to be overused worldwide and should be a focus for deprescribing programmes. Ongoing education and awareness campaigns for health professionals and patients, including electronic reminders at the point of prescribing, are strategies that have potential to reduce PPI use in individuals who do not have an evidence-based clinical indication for their long-term use.

Deprescribing in a family health team: a study of chronic proton pump inhibitor use

BACKGROUND Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often used inappropriately, without an indication, or for longer durations than recommended. Few tools exist to guide reassessment of their continued use and deprescribing if required. We aimed to reduce inappropriate drug use by developing and implementing a PPI deprescribing tool and process in a family medicine unit. ASSESSMENT OF PROBLEM Primary care providers of adults taking a PPI for 8 weeks with an upcoming periodic health examination were reminded to reassess therapy via electronic medical record (EMR) messaging. A PPI Deprescribing Tool was uploaded into the EMR as a second reminder and to guide reassessment and deprescribing where indicated. Ten weeks after the examination a chart review assessed changes to PPI use. A follow up survey of providers assessed the utility and barriers to implementing the Deprescribing Tool. RESULTS Forty-three of 46 patients on PPIs (93%) had their PPI reassessed, resulting in 11 patients (26%) having their PPI deprescribed. Strategies for Improvement Routine reassessment of long-term medications is often overlooked because of extensive demands on primary care providers' time. Deprescribing likely improved because potentially eligible patients were identified to the provider and a tool was provided at the time of the encounter to guide the deprescribing process. LESSONS Reassessment and deprescribing of PPIs can be supported by implementing a standardised process and use of guidance tools for clinicians. Providers found the timely and selective reminder message to deprescribe the most useful component of the intervention. KEYWORDS proton pump inhibitor; deprescribing; reassessment; primary care; medication therapy management; gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Bacterial infection in compensated viral cirrhosis impairs 5-year survival (ANRS CO12 CirVir prospective cohort)

OBJECTIVE

To assess incidence and prognostic significance of bacterial infections (BIs) occurring in compensated viral cirrhosis.

DESIGN

This prospective study involved 35 French centres. Inclusion criteria were biopsy-proven HCV or HBV cirrhosis, Child-Pugh A and no previous hepatic complications. Cumulative incidence (CumI) of events was estimated in a competing risks framework.

RESULTS

1672 patients were enrolled (HCV 1323, HBV 318, HCV-HBV 31). During a median follow-up of 43 months, 234 BIs occurred in 171 patients (5 year CumI: 12.9%), among whom 14.6% had septic shock. Main localisations included the urinary tract (27.4%), lung (25.2%) and peritoneum (10.7%) (other, 86 (36.7%)). Most BIs occurred as a first event prior to liver decompensation (n=140, 81.8%) and were community-acquired (CA, 84.2%). The risk of BI was higher in patients with HCV than in patients with HBV (5 year CumI: 15.2% vs 5.5%, p=0.0008). Digestive localisation, concomitant interferon-based treatment, isolation of resistant bacteria and non-CA BIs were associated with lowest probability of resolution. The occurrence of a first BI impaired survival in patients infected with HCV (5 year survival: 60.2% vs 90.4%, p<0.001) and patients infected with HBV (5 year survival: 69.2% vs 97.6%, p<0.001). BIs represented the third cause of death (14.1%) after liver failure and liver cancer. BI risk factors comprised older age, lower albumin, proton pump inhibitor intake and absence of virological eradication/control.

CONCLUSION

BI mostly occurs as a first complication and represents a turning point in the course of compensated viral cirrhosis. Its occurrence impacts long-term prognosis and may define a subgroup of patients in whom adaptation of management is warranted.

The appropriate use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Need for a reappraisal

The advent of powerful acid-suppressive drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), has revolutionized the management of acid-related diseases and has minimized the role of surgery. The major and universally recognized indications for their use are represented by treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in combination with antibiotics, therapy of H. pylori-negative peptic ulcers, healing and prophylaxis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated gastric ulcers and control of several acid hypersecretory conditions. However, in the last decade, we have witnessed an almost continuous growth of their use and this phenomenon cannot be only explained by the simple substitution of the previous H2-receptor antagonists, but also by an inappropriate prescription of these drugs. This endless increase of PPI utilization has created an important problem for many regulatory authorities in terms of increased costs and greater potential risk of adverse events. The main reasons for this overuse of PPIs are the prevention of gastro-duodenal ulcers in low-risk patients or the stress ulcer prophylaxis in non-intensive care units, steroid therapy alone, anticoagulant treatment without risk factors for gastro-duodenal injury, the overtreatment of functional dyspepsia and a wrong diagnosis of acid-related disorder. The cost for this inappropriate use of PPIs has become alarming and requires to be controlled. We believe that gastroenterologists together with the scientific societies and the regulatory authorities should plan educational initiatives to guide both primary care physicians and specialists to the correct use of PPIs in their daily clinical practice, according to the worldwide published guidelines.

Snapshot of the prescribing practice for the clopidogrel and esomeprazole coprescription and cost evaluation of the application guidelines

The antiplatelet clopidogrel and the proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole demonstrate a pharmacokinetic interaction through CYP2C19 that could translate into clinical inefficacy of clopidogrel. No medical consensus as to their coprescription has been reached, and different guidelines are available. We evaluated the prescribing practices at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) by measuring whether the coprescription was staggered as suggested by experts. We estimated the financial impact of different implementation guidelines. We used the HUG electronic patient records to follow the physicians' prescriptions and the administration by nurses from January 2013 to April 2014. We performed a time series analysis to assess 15 years of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antiplatelet drug use. “Extra costs” were calculated assuming that clopidogrel or esomeprazole would replace prasugrel or ticagrelor and pantoprazole or ranitidine, respectively. Only 10.8% of the patient medical orders for the clopidogrel and esomeprazole coprescription specified to stagger the administration, 12.6% specified a concomitant coprescription, and 76.6% had no clear information. A high rate of 49.6% of the nurses staggered the clopidogrel and esomeprazole coprescription when no clear information was given. We found a statistically significant decrease in clopidogrel use after the publication of the OCLA (Omeprazole–CLopidogrel–Aspirin) study and a significant increase in the trend of esomeprazole. Alternative treatments to avoid this interaction are cost ineffective or offer therapeutic options of lesser quality. We observed a high rate of 56.2% of the clopidogrel and esomeprazole coprescription in our hospital and can therefore not ignore the PK/PD interaction. The most common prescription practice was to not specify the time frame of administration, which was translated by nurses in 49.6% of the cases to a scheduled staggered coprescription of clopidogrel and esomeprazole. As long as no consensus has been reached, the medical orders time frame information should be mandatory to allow a clear and harmonious staggering strategy.

Proton pump inhibitor therapy and its association with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis incidence and mortality: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous meta-analyses reported proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is associated with increased incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients. However, this conclusion was based on case-control studies. Moreover, the association between PPI use and mortality of SBP has not yet been confirmed.

AIMS

To evaluate the association between PPI use and SBP incidence and mortality using case-control and cohort studies.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase and Web of Knowledge for relevant articles published up to January 2015. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 10 case-control and six cohort studies involving 8145 patients were analyzed. The overall analysis indicated that PPI use was associated with SBP (OR=2.11, 95% CI: 1.46-3.06). The association was limited in case-control studies (OR=2.97, 95% CI: 2.06-4.26) but not in cohort studies (OR=1.18, 95% CI: 0.99-1.14). PPI therapy was not associated with mortality during hospitalization or within 30 days after SBP (OR=1.54, 95% CI: 0.92-2.59).

CONCLUSIONS

We could not establish causality that PPI use increases the incidence or mortality of SBP.

Association of proton pump inhibitors with the occurrence of gut-derived bacteraemia in patients with haematological malignancy after chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Gut-derived bacteraemia is a major complication in patients with haematological malignancy after chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to investigate the role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the occurrence of gut-derived bacteraemia.

METHODS

We compared data from 92 hospitalized haematological malignancy patients after chemotherapy with gut-derived bacteraemia, collected from January 2009 to July 2015, with those of 92 contemporaneous, hospitalized haematological malignancy patients without bacteraemia. We evaluated PPIs use and analysed the effects of covariates.

RESULTS

Patients with gut-derived bacteraemia had a significantly higher incidence of PPIs use (69.6%) than that of controls (47.8%). Of the patients with gut-derived bacteraemia, only 44.6% had a documented indication for PPIs therapy. The antibacterial prophylaxis rate was 38.0% in the bacteraemia group and 58.7% in the non-antibacterial group. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, only PPIs use (P = 0.00, odds ratio (OR) = 0.546) was found to be associated with the risk of bacteraemia whereas antibacterial prophylaxis (P = 0.00, OR = 0.652) was protective. There were no significant differences in demographics, malignancy status, length of neutropenia, complications, or steroid use between the gut-derived bacteraemia and control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a potential association between PPIs use and development of gut-derived bacteraemia in haematological malignancy patients after chemotherapy.

Imprudent Gastro-protective Approach in Majority of Specialists' Clinics of a Tertiary Hospital

INTRODUCTION

One out of four prescriptions in out-patient departments contains a gastro-protective drug (APUD) - PPI/ H2 Blockers/ Antacids/ Ulcer Protective's. These drugs should be prescribed only when there is a justified indication. To assess the prescriptions of gastro-protective agents for appropriateness and rationality, in a tertiary care hospital setup.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was a cross-sectional observational study conducted from Aug 2013 to Dec 2013 at OPDs of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Pune. A total of 260 prescriptions containing gastro-protective agents were analysed for appropriateness and rationality. Rationality of drug use was assessed by referring to standard textbooks and guidelines. Cost difference data was analysed by Wilcoxon signed rank test using GraphPad Prism 6.

RESULTS

Most common class of gastro-protective agents was Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)-73.77% (Pantoprazole & Dexrabeprazole). Only 37.3% prescriptions had an adequate indication for these drugs {GI prophylaxis (29.6%) and Acid Peptic Disease treatment (7.7%)}. Two irrational Fixed dose combinations found in the study were PPI with prokinetic agent (n=65) and Proton Pump Inhibitor + NSAID combination (n=2). Formulation, spelling and strength errors were found with 75 prescribed drugs. Medication instructions were lacking with most of the drugs. Drug interactions with co-prescribed drugs could be anticipated in 79 cases. Injudicious use of anti-peptic ulcer agents significantly increased the cost of prescriptions (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Anti-ulcer drugs are overenthusiastically prescribed by all specialties which can predispose to adverse effects, drug interactions, increased cost and even erroneous prescriptions.

Cognitive impact after short-term exposure to different proton pump inhibitors: assessment using CANTAB software

Introduction

Studies have shown that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase the brain burden of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and also create vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. However, these two phenomena have deleterious effect on cognition and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since the use of PPIs has increased tremendously for the last few years, it is of great public health importance to investigate the cognitive impact of PPIs. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of neuropsychological association of each PPI with different cognitive functions.

Methods

Sixty volunteers of either gender were recruited and divided randomly into six groups: five test groups for five classes of PPIs and one control group. All the groups participated in the five computerized neuropsychological tests (nine subtests) of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery twice: at the beginning of the study and 7 days thereafter.

Results

We found statistically and clinically significant impairment in visual memory, attention, executive function, and working and planning function. One-way analysis of variance findings showed that all PPIs had a similar negative impact on cognition. However, paired-samples t tests indicated that omeprazole showed significant (p < 0.05) results in seven subtests; lansoprazole and pantoprazole showed significant results in five subtests; and rabeprazole showed significant results in four subtests. Among five classes of PPIs, esomeprazole showed comparatively less impact on cognitive function with significant results in three subtests.

Conclusions

The present study reveals for the first time that different PPIs have varying degrees of influence on different cognitive domains and have associations with AD. These findings should be considered when balancing the risks and benefits of prescribing these medications. A study done for a longer period of time with a larger sample size might yield better results.

Inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors in a local setting

INTRODUCTION

There are growing concerns that the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be inappropriate in instances that do not conform to evidence-based indications. This point-prevalence study aimed to investigate the frequency, indications and appropriateness of use of PPIs in hospitalised patients on a randomly chosen day.

METHODS

On a randomly chosen day, all inpatients were documented, and those on any form of PPIs on that day were determined. Indications for maintaining these patients on PPIs were obtained from the electronic medical records, which were then recorded and cross-referenced against a list of accepted indications adapted from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved list.

RESULTS

In all, 1,025 inpatients were documented. Of the 477 (46.5%) inpatients using PPIs, only 219 (45.9%) fulfilled the FDA-approved indications, while the majority (n = 258, 54.1%) did not. Overall, PPIs were not strictly indicated for use in 206 (43.2%) inpatients, according to FDA criteria. Of the 477 inpatients on PPIs, 52 (10.9%) had borderline indications based on expert consensus/guidelines other than FDA criteria.

CONCLUSION

Although the use of PPIs is prevalent in hospitals, less than half of the hospitalised patients using PPIs in our study had evidence-based indications that supported such use. The overuse of PPIs has a negative impact on healthcare costs and may lead to adverse effects. Steps to curb the inappropriate use of PPIs should address factors such as indications for the initiation of PPIs, and reassessment of the need for ongoing PPI use in inpatients upon discharge and during outpatient reviews.

Review of Proton Pump Inhibitor Overuse in the US Veteran Population

Objective: A growing body of evidence provides proof that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are overused in the general population and that such use is associated with adverse risks and unnecessary costs. Our objective was to systematically evaluate PPI overuse in the veteran population. Data Sources: A literature search using MEDLINE and CINHAL databases (1946-December 2014) was performed using the search term proton pump inhibitors coupled with each of the following key words: inappropriate use, misuse, and overuse. Searches were limited to studies and reviews in English language and human subjects. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles that centrally addressed the issue of PPI overuse were evaluated, following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel 2013. Articles that focused on the pediatric or non-US veteran populations were excluded. Data Synthesis: Among 30 articles included, 5 evaluated PPI overuse in veterans. The reported prevalence rate of PPI overuse in veterans ranged from 33% to 67%. Several cases reported PPI-associated Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and pneumonia. One Veterans Affairs center reported the total cost of PPI overuse to be more than $200 000 based on over-the-counter costs and more than $1.5 million based on average wholesale price cost. Conclusions: PPI overuse is common among veterans and exposes them to adverse risks and costs the system enormous dollars. Based on the findings of this review, we provide recommendations to curb PPI overuse among veterans and in the Veterans Affairs system.

Reduction of inappropriate exit prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors: A before-after study using education paired with a web-based quality-improvement tool

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are overprescribed despite concerns regarding associated adverse drug events.

OBJECTIVE

To reduce inappropriate PPI prescriptions using hospitalization as the point of contact to effect meaningful change.

DESIGN

Before-after study design.

SETTING

Forty-six-bed medical clinical teaching unit in a 417-bed university teaching hospital in Montreal, Canada.

PATIENTS

Four hundred sixty-four consecutively admitted patients in the preintervention control group, and 640 consecutively admitted patients in the intervention group.

INTERVENTION

A monthly educational intervention paired with a Web-based quality improvement tool.

MEASUREMENTS

We determined the proportion of patients admitted on PPIs, their indications, and appropriateness of use. We then compared the proportion of patients whose PPIs were discontinued at discharge before and after our intervention.

RESULTS

Forty-four percent of patients were already using a PPI prior to their hospitalization. In evaluated patients, only 54% of these patients had an evidence-based indication for ongoing use. The proportion of PPIs discontinued at hospital discharge increased from 7.7% per month in the 6 months prior to intervention, to 18.5% per month postintervention (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies to combat PPI overuse are needed to improve the overall quality of patient care. We significantly reduced discharge prescriptions for PPIs through the implementation of an educational initiative paired with a Web-based quality improvement tool. An active interventional strategy is likely required considering the increasingly recognized and preventable adverse events associated with PPI misuse.

Categorization of patients with reflux symptoms referred for pH and impedance testing while off therapy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often are treated empirically with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Patients whose symptoms are not reduced during the PPI trial are referred for further tests. We investigated whether patients referred for the evaluation of reflux symptoms had GERD. We also aimed to categorize patients with a poor response to PPIs into groups with hypersensitive esophagus or functional heartburn.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study, searching a clinical database of patients referred for GERD testing from 2006 through 2011. We collected data on all patients who underwent upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring, and were off PPIs for at least 1 week. Evidence of GERD was determined by an abnormal upper endoscopy or 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring. Further categorization was determined by impedance results and the symptom association probability index.

RESULTS

We identified 221 patients (mean age, 47.6 ± 13.3 y; 56% male; 61% Caucasians); 97% previously had been prescribed PPIs, before they were tested. The patients had erosive esophagitis (n = 21; 10%), nonerosive reflux disease with increased pH (n = 61; 27%), nonerosive reflux disease with abnormal impedance (n = 18; 8%), hypersensitive esophagus (n = 30; 14%), functional heartburn (n = 18; 8%), functional disorders other than heartburn (n = 30; 14%), and undetermined disorders (n = 43; 19%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective analysis of 221 patients, roughly half of the patients referred for testing did not have evidence of GERD. Further categorization of patients can help guide diagnosis and management.

Indication of acid suppression therapy and predictors for the prophylactic use of protonpump inhibitors vs. histamine-2 receptor antagonists in a Malaysian tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) are common acid suppressants used in gastrointestinal disorders. The trend of usage in Malaysia has changed from predominantly H2RA to PPI from 2007 to 2008, 3.46 versus 2.87 and 2.99 versus 3.24 DDD (Defined Daily Dose)/1000 population/day respectively. This raises concerns as PPI overutilization amounts to higher cost expenditure and are associated with various untoward consequences such as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, pneumonia, and osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the indication of acid suppression therapy (AST) and to look for predictors associated with the prophylactic use of PPI as compared to H2RA.

METHODS

Data collection was conducted via a standardized surveillance form over a 2-month period in the general medical wards of Sarawak General Hospital. All patients who received at least one dose of PPI or H2RA in any dosage form were included in the study. Appropriateness of prophylaxis was determined using current available guidelines. Selected risk factors were analysed using simple logistic regression to look for predictors associated with the choice of PPI in prophylactic AST.

RESULTS

Out of 212 cases in the present cohort, about three quarters (75.5%, n=160) of acid suppressants were given as prophylaxis. Over half of these did not have appropriate indications for prophylactic AST (58.1%, n=93). Among all cases given prophylactic AST, 75.0% (n=120) of them were given PPI. Renal insufficiency was identified as the only predictor associated with the use of prophylactic PPI in preference to H2RA (OR=2.86, 95%CI 1.21:6.72, p=0.011).

CONCLUSION

Inappropriate prophylactic AST is a major concern and may even be underestimated due to the lack of appropriate guidelines. More data is required to guide the selection between PPI and H2RA, specifically the more cost-effective use of H2RA in patients with lower gastrointestinal risk or in whom PPI has no clear advantage.

Long-term use of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors predict development of infections in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Bacterial infections, particularly repeated infections, are significant causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with cirrhosis. We investigated and characterized risk factors for repeat infections in these patients.

METHODS

In a prospective study, we collected data from 188 patients hospitalized with cirrhosis and infections and enrolled in the North American Consortium for the Study of End-Stage Liver Disease (12 centers). Patients were followed up for 6 months after hospital discharge and data were analyzed on type of infections and factors associated with subsequent infections.

RESULTS

Six months after hospital discharge, 14% of subjects had received liver transplants, 27% died, and 59% were alive without liver transplantation. After discharge, 45% had subsequent infections, but only 26% of the subsequent infections occurred at the same site. Compared with patients not re-infected, patients with repeat infections were older and a higher proportion used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (P = .006), rifaximin (P < .001), or prophylactic therapy for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) (P < .001). Logistic regression showed that SBP prophylaxis (odds ratio [OR], 3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-7.63), PPI use (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.39-6.20), SBP at hospital admission (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15-0.91), and age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11) were independent predictors of subsequent infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients hospitalized with cirrhosis and infections are at high risk for subsequent infections, mostly at different sites, within 6 months of index infection resolution. Those at highest risk include previously infected older patients receiving PPIs and/or SBP prophylaxis, although these associations do not prove that these factors cause the infections. New strategies are needed to prevent infections in patients with cirrhosis.

Use of proton pump inhibitors decrease cellular oxidative burst in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used antisecretory drugs and have been linked to an increased risk of bacterial infections in cirrhosis. We investigated whether the treatment with PPIs in cirrhosis affects the oxidative burst activity of granulocytes and monocytes and its possible interference with serum norfloxacin (Nflx) levels in these patients.

METHODS

70 patients with cirrhosis and ascitic fluid and 24 healthy controls were included in the study and distributed into groups according to the regular use of PPIs and/or norfloxacin. The blood granulocyte and monocyte's phagocytic activity and oxidative burst were evaluated by flow cytometry. Blood levels of norfloxacin were measured by HPLC and bacterial translocation was evaluated by detection of bacterial DNA in blood.

RESULTS

Use of PPIs was associated with a decreased granulocyte and monocyte oxidative burst, but not of phagocytic activity, as compared with patients not receiving PPIs. PPIs use did not affect serum norfloxacin levels in patients. A not significant trend to an increased bacterial DNA translocation was observed in patients receiving PPIs, including patients simultaneously receiving norfloxacin.

CONCLUSIONS

PPIs significantly decrease cellular oxidative burst in cirrhosis. This fact may provide a pathogenic explanation to the reported high rates of bacterial infections in this setting, and strongly suggests that PPIs should only be used in patients with cirrhosis when clinically indicated.

Use of proton pump inhibitors after antireflux surgery: a nationwide register-based follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

Antireflux surgery (ARS) has been suggested as an alternative to lifelong use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in reflux disease. Data from clinical trials on PPI use after ARS have been conflicting. We investigated PPI use after ARS in the general Danish population using nationwide healthcare registries.

DESIGN

A nationwide retrospective follow-up study of all patients aged ≥18 and undergoing first-time ARS in Denmark during 1996-2010. Two outcome measures were used: redemption of first PPI prescription after ARS (index prescription) and a marker of long-term use, defined by an average PPI use of ≥180 defined daily doses (DDDs) per year. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards model were used for statistics.

RESULTS

3465 patients entered the analysis. 12.7% used no PPI in the year before surgery, while 14.2%, 13.4% and 59.7% used 1-89 DDD, 90-179 DDD and ≥180 DDD, respectively. Five-, 10- and 15-year risks of redeeming index PPI prescription were 57.5%, 72.4% and 82.6%, respectively. Similarly, 5-, 10- and 15-year risks of taking up long-term PPI use were 29.4%, 41.1% and 56.6%. Female gender, high age, ARS performed in most recent years, previous use of PPI and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or antiplatelet therapy significantly increased the risk of PPI use.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of PPI use after ARS was higher than previously reported, and more than 50% of patients became long-term PPI users 10-15 years postsurgery. Patients should be made aware that long-term PPI therapy is often necessary after ARS.

Patient barriers to and enablers of deprescribing: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Inappropriate medication use is common in the elderly and the risks associated with their use are well known. The term deprescribing has been utilised to describe the complex process that is required for the safe and effective cessation of inappropriate medications. Given the primacy of the consumer in health care, their views must be central in the development of any deprescribing process.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify barriers and enablers that may influence a patient's decision to cease a medication.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search of MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, EMBASE, CINAHL, Informit and Scopus was conducted and augmented with a manual search. Numerous search terms relating to withdrawal of medications and consumers' beliefs were utilised.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Articles were included if the barriers or enablers were directly patient/carer reported and related to long-term medication(s) that they were currently taking or had recently ceased.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Determination of relevance and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Content analysis with coding was utilised for synthesis of results.

RESULTS

Twenty-one articles met the criteria and were included in the review. Three themes, disagreement/agreement with 'appropriateness' of cessation, absence/presence of a 'process' for cessation, and negative/positive 'influences' to cease medication, were identified as both potential barriers and enablers, with 'fear' of cessation and 'dislike' of medications as a fourth barrier and enabler, respectively. The most common barrier/enabler identified was 'appropriateness' of cessation, with 15 studies identifying this as a barrier and 18 as an enabler.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

The decision to stop a medication by an individual is influenced by multiple competing barriers and enablers. Knowledge of these will aid in the development of a deprescribing process, particularly in approaching the topic of cessation with the patient and what process should be utilised. However, further research is required to determine if the proposed patient-centred deprescribing process will result in improved patient outcomes.

Unexplained abdominal pain as a driver for inappropriate therapeutics: an audit on the use of intravenous proton pump inhibitors

Background. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are currently the most effective agents for acid-related disorders. However, studies show that 25–75% of patients receiving intravenous PPIs had no appropriate justification, indicating high rates of inappropriate prescribing.

Objective. To examine the appropriate use of intravenous PPIs in accordance with guidelines and the efficacy of a prescribing awareness intervention at an Asian teaching institution.

Setting. Prospective audit in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.

Method. Every 4th intravenous PPI prescription received in the pharmacy was screened against hospital guidelines. Interventions for incorrect indication/dose/duration were performed. Patients’ demographic data, medical history and the use of intravenous PPI were collected. Included were all adult inpatients prescribed intravenous PPI.

Main Outcome Measure. Proportion of appropriate IV PPI prescriptions.

Results. Data for 106 patients were collected. Most patients were male [65(61.3%)], Chinese [50(47.2%)], with mean age ± SD = 60.3 ± 18.0 years. Most intravenous PPI prescriptions were initiated by junior doctors from the surgical [47(44.3%)] and medical [42(39.6%)] departments. Only 50/106(47.2%) patients had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy/surgery performed to verify the source of bleeding. Unexplained abdominal pain [81(76.4%)] was the main driver for prescribing intravenous PPIs empirically, out of which 73(68.9%) were for suspected upper gastrointestinal bleed. Overall, intravenous PPI was found to be inappropriately prescribed in 56(52.8%) patients for indication, dose or duration. Interventions on the use of intravenous PPI were most effective when performed by senior doctors (100%), followed by clinical pharmacists (50%), and inpatient pharmacists (37.5%, p = 0.027).

Conclusion. Inappropriate intravenous PPI usage is still prevalent despite the enforcement of hospital guidelines. The promotion of prescribing awareness and evidence-based prescribing through education of medical staff could result in more judicious use of intravenous PPI and dose-optimization.