Abstract
Introduction: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of drugs which decrease gastric acid production, their overuse is becoming increasingly common. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate medical indications for PPIs in a cohort of prevalent hemodialysis (HD) patients and their awareness about the medical effects of these drugs. Materials and methods: The study was performed in 78 HD patients enrolled in a chronic dialysis program in a single academic dialysis unit. The study was based on medical history obtained from the patients (survey about drugs they take with intention of revealing PPIs, indications for the treatment, their awareness of the mechanism of action of these drugs).Results: 46 patients (59%) took or have been taking PPIs. Almost half (49%; n=22) had no clear medical indications for the drugs. Prescription of PPIs without medical indications was more common among nephrologists (27%), when compared with gastroenterologists (5%; p<0.05). Only 29% (n=13) of patients taking PPIs were aware of the mechanism of action of the drugs. Conclusions: Results of this study reveal the problem of PPI overuse among HD patients. Gastroenterologists usually prescribed PPIs according to medical indications. Lack of patients’ knowledge about the indications for PPI therapy is overwhelming.
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