Review of Proton Pump Inhibitor Overuse in the US Veteran Population

Physicians' perceptions and awareness of adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors and impact on prescribing patterns

Background: Heightened scrutiny surrounds the inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) due to concerns regarding potential serious adverse effects (AEs). Understanding the impact of these AEs on real-world practice is crucial. This study aimed to assess physicians' perceptions, experiences, awareness, and beliefs regarding published data on potential AEs associated with PPIs. Additionally, it sought to determine alterations in PPI prescribing patterns resulting from these AEs, explore attitudes towards PPI use, and ascertain recommendations for PPI use in clinical scenarios with varying levels of risk for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered questionnaire, inviting 282 physicians from 55 primary healthcare centers and 334 internal medicine physicians from seven governmental hospitals to participate. Results: With a response rate of 87.8% (541/616), 74% (95% CI: 70.2-77.7) of respondents were somewhat or very familiar with published data on PPI AEs. Among the familiar, 69.5% (CI: 65.2-73.5) had somewhat or very much changed their PPI prescribing patterns. General concerns about AEs when prescribing PPIs were reported by 62% (CI: 56.7-65.1). Respondents displayed awareness of a median (IQR) of 15 (9) different AEs associated with long-term PPI use, including osteoporosis or osteopenia (90.2%), hypomagnesemia (81.5%), vitamin B12 deficiency (80.6%), and bone fracture (80.0%). Respondents believed that PPIs elevate the risk for a median (IQR) of 7 (6) different AEs, with osteoporosis or osteopenia (81.8%) being the most common, followed by hypomagnesemia (67.1%), and vitamin B12 deficiency (62.3%). The most common strategies for PPI de-escalation were PPI discontinuation (61%) and using PPI on-demand/as-needed (57.9%). The majority (87.4%) agreed or strongly agreed that PPI overuse is prevalent in Kuwait and 78.2% emphasized the necessity for large-scale education on rational PPI use for medical staff and the public. In the UGIB prevention scenarios, 43.6% recommended appropriately the PPI discontinuation in the minimal-risk scenario, while 56% recommended appropriately the PPI continuation in the high-risk scenario. Associations and comparative analyses revealed predictors influencing physicians' practices and attitudes toward PPI usage. Conclusion: These findings lay the foundation for future research and targeted interventions aimed at optimizing PPI prescribing practices and ensuring patient safety.

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

BACKGROUND

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

BACKGROUND

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

BACKGROUND

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

BACKGROUND

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

BACKGROUND

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

Evaluating physicians' awareness and prescribing trends regarding proton pump inhibitors: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to treat acid-related disorders. Their appropriate use depends on the correct indications from the clinician. Owing to the high incidence of use and misuse, PPIs have been identified as an essential pharmacological class for developing deprescribing recommendations. Therefore, assessing physicians' knowledge and practice regarding PPI usage is critical for paving the way toward targeted recommendations and efforts. Objective: This study aimed to assess Syrian physicians' perceptions of proton pump inhibitors adverse effects, their benefit in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) prophylaxis, and how these perceptions are related to PPI prescription practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a web-based questionnaire distributed among Syrian physicians in internal medicine between 28 November and 23 December 2022. The questionnaire assessed perceptions and experiences of PPIs, concerns about specific adverse effects, and their effectiveness for UGIB prophylaxis, in addition to the different scenarios used to determine the best practice for appropriate treatment to manage minimal, mild, moderate, and high-risk UGIB patients. Results: A total of 473 participants completed the questionnaire, with median age ±SD was (28.46 ± 4.58), and most participants (83.3%) were residents. Approximately half of the participants (45.5%) agreed that discussion assistance was provided to continue or terminate PPIs properly. Only 8.9% were very familiar with published evidence of PPI adverse effects. Bone weakening and vitamin B12 deficiency were the most frequently reported side effects (81.8% and 79.7%, respectively). However, dementia (0.4%) and mortality (1.9%) were the least reported adverse effects. More than half of the participants (64%) perceived using PPIs to prevent upper GI bleeding. Non-trainee physicians were less knowledgeable about appropriate GERD management than resident physicians (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study showed a gap between Syrian physicians' perceptions and practices regarding PPI use, which necessitates spreading awareness of updated guidelines for PPI usage and their side effects.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Patients Using Proton-Pump Inhibitors: A Population-Based Study

Background and aim Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is a heavily prescribed medication in the United States that is used to treat several gastrointestinal disorders. Although it has been considered to be safe compared to other medications, multiple gastrointestinal side effects have been reported. These effects of PPIs might stem from the progressive alteration of the intestinal microbiome. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using PPI are also seen to be less likely to achieve remission. However, in the current literature, there is very little evidence of the risk of developing IBD in patients who have been using PPIs. Therefore, our aim was to perform a cross-sectional population-based study with in-depth analysis to assess the prevalence and risk factors of IBD amongst PPI users in the United States. Methodology  A validated multicenter and research platform database of more than 360 hospitals from 26 different healthcare systems across the United States was utilized to construct this study. A cohort of patients with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) between 1999-2022 was identified using the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT). Patients aged 18 to 65 years were included. We excluded any individual who had a diagnosis of chronic liver disease, autoimmune disease (excluding IBD), or cancer. The risk of IBD was calculated using a multivariate regression analysis to account for potential confounders including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use, smoking, patients who have had a diagnosis of alcoholism, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and metabolic syndrome. A two-sided P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant, and all statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.0.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria, 2008). Results  A total of 79,984,328 individuals were screened in the database and 45,586,150 patients were selected in the final analysis after accounting for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using multivariate regression analysis, the risk of developing UC and CD was calculated. The odds of having UC amongst patients on PPI was 2.02 (95%CI 1.98-2.06), P-value <0.001. Similarly, the odds of having CD were high amongst PPI users (OR 2.79, 95%CI 2.75-2.84), P- value <0.001 Conclusion  Our study demonstrates that patients on PPIs are frequently found to have UC and CD even when adjusting for common risk factors. Hence, we urge clinicians to be aware of this association in order to limit unnecessary prescriptions of PPIs, especially for patients who are at risk for autoimmune diseases.

Potentially inappropriate medication use by level of polypharmacy among US Veterans 49-64 and 65-70 years old

BACKGROUND

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are medications contra-indicated in particular circumstances. We sought to characterize PIMs by level of polypharmacy by age, sex, and race/ethnicity.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional drug dispensing study using electronic health records available through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. We extracted pharmacy fill and refill records during fiscal year 2016 (i.e., October 1, 2015-September 30, 2016) for all patients aged 49-70 who accessed care in the preceding fiscal year. PIMs were defined by the combined Beers and Laroche (henceforth Beers Laroche) criteria used for older patients and the PROMPT criteria used for middle-aged.

RESULTS

In the 1 499 586 patients aged 49-64, PIMs prevalence by PROMPT in patients with 0-4, 5-9, and ≥10 medications was 14.0%, 62.2%, and 86.1%, respectively, and by Beers Laroche was 14.3%, 63.4%, and 85.7%, respectively. In the 1 249 119 patients aged 65-70, PIMs prevalence by Beers Laroche was 14.8%, 59.9%, and 83.3%, and by PROMPT was 13.9%, 57.4%, and 82.0%, respectively. Meaningful differences in prevalence were shown by sex and race/ethnicity according to both set of criteria (e.g. PROMPT in patients with 5-9 medications: 66.1% women vs. 59.3% men; standardized-mean-differences [SMD] = 0.14; 61.7% of White vs. 54.5% of non-White; SMD = 0.15). The most common PIMs were digestive, analgesic, antidiabetic, and psychotropic medications.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of PIMs was high and increased with polypharmacy. Beers Laroche and PROMPT provided similar estimations inside and outside their target age, suggesting that PIMs are common among those with polypharmacy regardless of age.

Objective ambulatory pH monitoring and subjective symptom assessment of gastroesophageal reflux disease show type of carbohydrate and type of fat matter

Background

Rising prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in US Veterans is concurrent with increasing excess body weight.

Objective

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine relationships between dietary macronutrients, gastrointestinal hormones, and GERD status.

Methods

Ninety-eight veterans with overweight/obesity and empiric proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment were enrolled from the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. Subjects had esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring. Subjective symptoms were assessed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ) and Symptom Assessment Scale (GSAS). The primary outcomes, total acid exposure time (AET) and number of reflux episodes, enabled categorizing subjects as either pathologic GERD or inconclusive GERD. Data analysis included independent T-tests, Spearman Rho correlations, and multivariable linear regression modeling.

Results

Higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (sugar-sweetened tea, soda, and fruit juice) associated with higher AET. Higher saturated-to-unsaturated fat intake is associated with higher AET and number of reflux episodes. Overall, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, saturated-to-unsaturated fat ratio, tomato-based food items, glucagon-like polypeptide 1 (GLP-1) level, time of first meal, and education status accounted for a significant amount of the variability in AET. Pathologic GERD subjects reported more heartburn (p = 0.006), regurgitation (p = 0.01), acid taste (0.001), and nausea severity (p = 0.04). GERDQ score associated with AET (r = 0.31, p = 0.005), but GSAS did not (r = 0.12, p = 0.28).

Conclusion

Of the many foods and nutrients tested, the type (not amount) of carbohydrate (simple sugars) and the type (not amount) of fat (saturated vs unsaturated fat) consumed associated with objective and/or subjective GERD testing. These novel findings contribute to the evidence base guiding specific dietary recommendations in the clinical management of GERD.

The Use and Misuse of Proton Pump Inhibitors: An Opportunity for Deprescribing

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are proven medications of choice for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid-related disorders, erosive esophagitis, Barrett esophagus, prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding while on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, eosinophilic esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients, and other indications. Best practice guidelines from several sources on the appropriate indications and duration of PPI therapy have been summarized for easy assimilation. Individualized decision with regard to PPI use is illustrated by case vignettes; best approaches are provided. The significant increase in use of PPIs for ill-defined indications over the years, associated adverse outcomes with long-term use, and consequent increase in health care costs have drawn much attention. Adverse outcomes due to PPI therapy may be categorized as unrelated or related to gastric acid inhibition. Examples of outcomes unrelated to acid inhibition include allergic reactions, acute interstitial nephritis, chronic kidney disease, poor cardiovascular outcomes, dementia, and drug interactions; consequences of acid inhibition include gastrointestinal infections, pneumonia, nutrient deficiencies, fractures, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Provider awareness regarding best practice guidelines on PPI use and imparting pertinent education to patients may be the rational approach to safe and effective PPI therapy. In individuals in whom the drug is not indicated, efforts at deprescribing the PPI may be attempted following discussion with the patient. Approaches include stopping the drug, reducing the dose or using "on-demand" therapy after completing the course of treatment for the specific indication. Barriers to successful deprescribing exist. Follow-up is recommended for recurrence of manifestations; in the event of recurrence, the PPI may need to be re-instituted. PPIs are valuable, irreplaceable drugs in the prevention and treatment of certain disorders for specific durations of time. Evidence nevertheless suggests that excessive and inappropriately prolonged use of PPIs is associated with a broad range of adverse effects. Education of provider and patient, stewardship, and motivation are key to appropriate use of PPIs for the right indications. Key implications for practice are offered.

Increased Risk of COVID-19 Among Users of Proton Pump Inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase the risk for enteric infections that is likely related to PPI-induced hypochlorhydria. Although the impact of acid suppression on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is unknown thus far, previous data revealed that pH ≤3 impairs the infectivity of the similar severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1. Thus, we aimed to determine whether use of PPIs increases the odds for acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among community-dwelling Americans.

METHODS

From May 3 to June 24, 2020, we performed an online survey described to participating adults as a "national health survey." A multivariable logistic regression was performed on reporting a positive COVID-19 test to adjust for a wide range of confounding factors and to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Of 53,130 participants, 3,386 (6.4%) reported a positive COVID-19 test. In regression analysis, individuals using PPIs up to once daily (aOR 2.15; 95% CI, 1.90-2.44) or twice daily (aOR 3.67; 95% CI, 2.93-4.60) had significantly increased odds for reporting a positive COVID-19 test when compared with those not taking PPIs. Individuals taking histamine-2 receptor antagonists were not at elevated risk.

DISCUSSION

We found evidence of an independent, dose-response relationship between the use of antisecretory medications and COVID-19 positivity; individuals taking PPIs twice daily have higher odds for reporting a positive test when compared with those using lower-dose PPIs up to once daily, and those taking the less potent histamine-2 receptor antagonists are not at increased risk. These findings emphasize good clinical practice that PPIs should only be used when indicated at the lowest effective dose, such as the approved once-daily label dosage of over-the-counter and prescription PPIs. Further studies examining the association between PPIs and COVID-19 are needed.

Physicians' Perceptions of Proton Pump Inhibitor Risks and Recommendations to Discontinue: A National Survey

OBJECTIVE

To provide contemporary estimates of internists' perceptions of adverse effects associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and self-reported clinical use.

METHODS

We invited 799 internists, including specialists and postgraduate trainees, to complete an online survey. Topics included perceptions of PPI adverse effects (AEs) and effectiveness for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) prevention, changes in prescribing, and management recommendations for patients using PPIs for gastroesophageal reflux disease or UGIB prevention. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with appropriate PPI continuation in the scenario of a patient at high risk for UGIB.

RESULTS

Among 437 respondents (55% response rate), 10% were trainees and 72% specialized in general medicine, 70% were somewhat/very concerned about PPI AEs, and 76% had somewhat/very much changed their prescribing. A majority believed PPIs increase the risk for 6 of 12 AEs queried. Fifty-two percent perceived PPIs to be somewhat/very effective for UGIB prevention. In a gastroesophageal reflux disease scenario in which PPI can be safely discontinued, 86% appropriately recommended PPI discontinuation. However, in a high-risk UGIB prevention scenario in which long-term PPI use is recommended, 79% inappropriately recommended discontinuation. In this latter scenario, perceived effectiveness for bleeding prevention was strongly associated with continuing PPI (odds ratio 7.68, P < 0.001 for moderately; odds ratio 17.3, P < 0.001 for very effective). Other covariates, including concern about PPI AEs, had no significant association.

DISCUSSION

Most internists believe PPIs cause multiple AEs and recommend discontinuation even in patients at high risk for UGIB. Future interventions should focus on ensuring that PPIs are prescribed appropriately according to individual risks and benefits.