Abstract
BackgroundTo compare the results of a new-user cohort study design and the self-controlled case series (SCCS) design using the risk of hospitalisation for pneumonia in those dispensed proton pump inhibitors compared to those unexposed as a case study.MethodsThe Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs administrative claims database was used. Exposure to proton pump inhibitors and hospitalisations for pneumonia were identified over a 4 year study period 01 Jul 2007 -30 Jun 2011. The same inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to both studies, however, the SCCS study included subjects with a least one hospitalisation for pneumonia.ResultsThere were 105,467 subjects included in the cohort study and 6775 in the SCCS. Both studies showed an increased risk of hospitalisations for pneumonia in the three defined risk periods following initiation of proton pump inhibitors compared to baseline. With the highest risk in the first 1 to 7 days (Cohort RR, 3.24; 95% CI (2.50, 4.19): SCCS: RR, 3.07; 95% CI (2.69, 3.50)).ConclusionsThis study has shown that the self-controlled case series method produces similar risk estimates to a new-users cohort study design when applied to the association of proton pump inhibitors and pneumonia. Exposure to a proton pump inhibitor increases the likelihood of being admitted to hospital for pneumonia, with the risk highest in the first week of treatment.
Highlights
To compare the results of a new-user cohort study design and the self-controlled case series (SCCS) design using the risk of hospitalisation for pneumonia in those dispensed proton pump inhibitors compared to those unexposed as a case study
The method has not been widely applied in pharmacoepidemiological research to study acute effects of transient medicine exposures and there has been only limited research to compare the findings of the self-controlled case series with cohort study designs in the field of pharmacoepidemiology [5]
Previous work conducted in the database used for the present study found that 32% of new users of proton pump inhibitors had discontinued by 8 weeks, while 62% had discontinued within 12 months [9]
Summary
To compare the results of a new-user cohort study design and the self-controlled case series (SCCS) design using the risk of hospitalisation for pneumonia in those dispensed proton pump inhibitors compared to those unexposed as a case study. Observational studies provide important information about the safety and effectiveness of medicines These designs are often criticised due to a lack of control for unmeasured confounding. These problems are amplified when administrative databases are used, since data were not collected for purposes of research and potentially important clinical and patient demographic data are often absent. The method has not been widely applied in pharmacoepidemiological research to study acute effects of transient medicine exposures and there has been only limited research to compare the findings of the self-controlled case series with cohort study designs in the field of pharmacoepidemiology [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
