Educational Intervention Improves Proton Pump Inhibitor Stewardship in Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinics

Development and Implementation of a Pharmacist-Led Proton Pump Inhibitor Deprescribing Algorithm in a Geriatric Ambulatory Office

Background The American Geriatrics Society 2019 Updated Beers Criteria^© recommends avoiding scheduled use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for greater than eight weeks in older people because of potential risk of bone loss and fractures and Clostridioides difficile infection. There are limited studies evaluating the effectiveness of deprescribing PPIs in this patient population. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a PPI deprescribing algorithm in a geriatric ambulatory office on the appropriateness of PPI use in older people. Methods This single-center study evaluated PPI use in a geriatric ambulatory office pre- and post-implementation of a deprescribing algorithm. Participants included all patients 65 years of age or older and a documented PPI on their home medication list. The PPI deprescribing algorithm was developed by the pharmacist using components of the published guideline. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients on a PPI with a potentially inappropriate indication before and after implementation of this deprescribing algorithm. Results At baseline, 228 patients were treated with a PPI, and 64.5% (n = 147) of patients were treated for a potentially inappropriate indication. Of the 228 patients, 147 patients were included in the primary analysis. Potentially inappropriate use of PPI significantly decreased after implementation of a deprescribing algorithm from 83.7% to 44.2% in the cohort of patients who were eligible for deprescribing (difference 39.5%; P < 0.0001). Conclusion Potentially inappropriate PPI use in older adults decreased after implementation of a pharmacist-led deprescribing initiative, supporting the role of pharmacists on interdisciplinary deprescribing teams.

Rebuilding trust in proton pump inhibitor therapy

Introduction of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy into clinical practice has revolutionized treatment approach to acid-related diseases. With its clinical success came a widespread use of PPI therapy. Subsequently, several studies found that PPIs were oftentimes overprescribed in primary care and emergency setting, likely attributed to seemingly low side-effect profile and physicians having low threshold to initiate therapy. However, now there is a growing concern over PPI side-effect profile among both patients and providers. We would like to bring more awareness to the currently available guidelines on PPI use, discuss clinical indications for PPIs and the evidence behind the reported side-effects. We hope that increased awareness of proper PPI use will make the initiation or continuation of therapy a well informed and an evidence-based decision between patient and physician. We also hope that discussing evidence behind the reported side-effect profile will help clarify the growing concerns over PPI therapy.

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.