Inappropriate Proton Pump Inhibitors Research Articles

Primary and Specialty Care Trainees' Perceptions About Proton Pump Inhibitor Use.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed with proven efficacy in many indications, yet longstanding controversy about potential adverse events persists. We aimed to acquire knowledge about perceptions of outpatient PPI long-term prescribing (≥8 wk) among primary and specialty care trainees at 2 Canadian Universities. Family medicine, internal medicine, and gastroenterology trainees completed a web-based survey that included 20 clinical scenarios assessing trainee knowledge about PPI efficacy. Contextual PPI prescribing decisions were also elicited, balancing possible PPI indications versus side effects. Management strategies were compared between junior and senior trainees, as well as across training programs. Over a 4-month period,163 trainees (age <26 y: 12%; age 26 to 45: 88%; 59% females) participated in the survey (family medicine: 51%, internal medicine: 44%, and gastroenterology: 5%); 83% were considered junior residents. Only 42% had received formal education on prescribing PPI long-term. Overall, 93% believed they would benefit from such teaching, with 98% stating they would follow related guidelines. No between-group differences were noted in knowledge of appropriate PPI indications nor possible side effects when comparing juniors to seniors, or among different specialties. Across different management scenarios, inappropriate PPI discontinuation was chosen by 14.3% to 67.2%, whereas inappropriate PPI continuation was reported in up to 57%. Trainee seniority and specialty did not differ in appropriate deprescribing rates. Training level and primary versus specialty care settings are associated with frequent inappropriate PPI prescribing and deprescribing. These findings highlight the need for and may inform future educational programs on PPI usage.

Evaluation of Appropriate Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Non-critically Ill Patients in Tertiary Medical Center: A Retrospective Study.

There are concerns about indiscriminate prescriptions and the inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) without any clear indications, especially among noncritically hospitalized patients. This study aimed to characterize PPI prescriptions among non-critically hospitalized patients in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital between June and August 2021. The data of adult patients who received PPIs on hospital admission in the medical and surgical wards were collected and analyzed for appropriateness based on the current international guidelines and recommendations. A total of 174 patient records were included in this study. The proportion of patients with appropriate and inappropriate PPI prescriptions was 67.24% (n=117) and 32.76% (n=57), respectively. Female patients (risk=50.00%, 95% CI: 36.89-63.11, p<0.001) were more likely to receive an inappropriate PPI prescription than their male counterparts (risk=33.33%, 95% CI: 24.56-43.43, p<0.001). Intravenous omeprazole 40 mg once daily was the most frequently prescribed PPI (n=62). The hospital length of stay differed significantly between the groups of patients who received appropriate and inappropriate PPIs (24.56 ± 47.14 vs. 13.50 ± 13.84; t=2.34, 95% CI: 1.72-20.4; p=0.02). However, there was no significant difference in the total therapy duration in both the groups (3.76 ± 2.50 vs. 4.75 ± 3.32, t=-1.62, 95%CI: -1.79-0.17; p=0.11). The findings show a high trend of inappropriate PPI prescriptions. Hence, educational programs are recommended to encourage healthcare professionals to stick to the approved guidelines when prescribing PPIs.

Validated Clinical Score to Predict Gastroesophageal Reflux in Patients With Chronic Laryngeal Symptoms: COuGH RefluX

Background & AimsDiscerning whether laryngeal symptoms result from gastroesophageal reflux is clinically challenging and a reliable tool to stratify patients is needed. We aimed to develop and validate a model to predict likelihood of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms. MethodsThis multicenter international study collected data from adults with chronic laryngeal symptoms that underwent objective testing (upper GI endoscopy and/or ambulatory reflux monitoring) between 3/2018-5/2023. The training phase identified a model with optimal receiver operating characteristic curves, and beta coefficients informed a weighted model. The validation phase assessed performance characteristics of the weighted model. Results856 adults, 304 in training cohort and 552 in the validation cohort, were included. In the training phase the optimal predictive model [AUC 0.68 (95% CI 0.62, 0.74)] - the COuGH RefluX score - consisted of Cough, Overweight/obesity, Globus, Hiatal Hernia, Regurgitation, and male seX with a lower threshold of 2.5 and upper threshold of 5.0 to predict proven GERD. In the validation phase, the COuGH RefluX score had an AUC of 0.67 (0.62, 0.71) with 79% sensitivity and 81% specificity for proven GERD. ConclusionsThe externally validated COuGH RefluX score is a clinically practical model to predict likelihood of proven GERD. The score classifies most patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms as low/high likelihood of proven GERD, with only 38% remaining as indeterminate. Thus, the COuGH RefluX score can guide diagnostic strategies and reduce inappropriate proton pump inhibitor use or testing for patients referred for evaluation of chronic laryngeal symptoms.

EE24 Budget Impact of Stepping Off Patients from Long-Term Inappropriate Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Use to Episodic Alginate Treatment

EE24 Budget Impact of Stepping Off Patients from Long-Term Inappropriate Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Use to Episodic Alginate Treatment

Appropriateness of proton pump inhibitor therapy in an ambulatory geriatrics clinic: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis.

Proton pump inhibitors are considered potentially inappropriate medications in the geriatric population. The use of proton pump inhibitors by older adults has increased over the past several decades; however, existing literature suggests that only one-third of patients prescribed these medications have a valid indication for use. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of proton pump inhibitor therapy in a population of ambulatory geriatric patients and to determine the impact of an interdisciplinary clinic on their use. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients referred to an ambulatory geriatrics clinic between October 2017 and March 2021. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they were taking a proton pump inhibitor at the time of clinic admission. Appropriateness of proton pump inhibitor therapy was assessed based on indication and dosing regimen. In total, 280 participants were included. The mean age was 79.6 years (SD 7.7) and 60% were female. Overall, 94 of 280 (33.6%) participants had a documented valid indication for their proton pump inhibitor. The clinic team intervened to reduce the dose or discontinue 76 of 186 (40.8%) inappropriate proton pump inhibitors. Only one-third of proton pump inhibitors used by ambulatory geriatric patients have a documented appropriate indication for use. Given the medical complexity of this population and their vulnerability to adverse effects, the ambulatory geriatric population should be a priority target for proton pump inhibitor deprescribing initiatives.

Assessing Frequency and Appropriateness of Proton Pump Inhibitor Deprescription in Patients Requiring Endoscopic Therapy for Esophageal Strictures.

There have been concerns about the widespread usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), leading to recommendations to deprescribe PPIs in certain patients. This study aims to determine if PPI deprescription in patients with symptomatic esophageal strictures was consistent with published guidelines and to compare the rate of PPI deprescription between two-time points. All patients from two gastroenterology practices who received endoscopic dilation to treat symptomatic strictures between the years of 2015-2017 and 2019-2021 were identified using physician billing codes. We defined inappropriate PPI deprescription as: a patient who was deprescribed their PPI with a past medical history of esophageal stricture, Barrett's esophagus, grade C/D esophagitis, or who had experienced symptom recurrence after PPI deprescription. Furthermore, we analyzed the rate of PPI deprescription between two time periods 2015-2017 (group 1) and 2019-2021 (group 2). Two hundred twenty-three esophageal dilations were analyzed. Twenty-six patients in the sample were deprescribed their PPI, with the majority (57 percent) meeting the criteria for inappropriate PPI deprescription. There was a trend towards more inappropriate deprescription in the second time period. (71 percent vs. 33 percent; P = 0.06). Patients in group 2 had a higher rate of PPI deprescription (23.9 percent) than group 1 (6.0 percent; P < 0.001). PPI deprescription in patients treated for symptomatic esophageal strictures appears to be more common in the second time period. Most patients were defined as inappropriate deprescription. Physicians must apply guidelines carefully when considering deprescribing PPIs.

Impact of proton pump inhibitors on the risk of small bowelor colorectal bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several studies have suggested that the mucosal protective effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) do not extend beyond the duodenum; however, PPIs may cause lower gastrointestinal (LGI) injury, although these relationships have not yet been fully elucidated. We searched all the relevant studies published until September 2022 that examined the risk of PPIs for LGI bleeding. We performed a meta-analysis of the risk of LGI bleeding (small bowel (SB) or colorectal bleeding) between PPI users and non-users. A subgroup analysis of patients consuming aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was also performed. Twelve studies with 341,063 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The use of PPIs was associated with the risk of LGI bleeding (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval [CI]]=1.42 [1.16-1.73]; hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI]=3.23 [1.56-6.71]). An association between PPI use and the risk of LGI bleeding was also identified in the subgroup of aspirin or NSAID users (OR [95% CI]=1.64 [1.49-1.80]; HR [95% CI]=6.55 [2.01-21.33]). In the bleeding site-specific analyses, the risk of SB bleeding was associated with PPI use (OR [95% CI]=1.54 [1.30-1.84]). PPI use was associated with an increased risk of LGI bleeding, particularly SB bleeding. This association was particularly pronounced among aspirin and NSAID users. Inappropriate PPI prescriptions should be avoided in patients with LGI bleeding and a low risk of upper gastrointestinal disease.

Clinical audit to assess whether the current use of proton pump inhibitors in a general practice conforms to standard guidelines

Introduction: Clinical audit is a quality improvement process that seeks to improve patient care and outcomes through systematic review of care against explicit criteria and the implementation of change. The present clinical audit identifies the patients who are on Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) therapy and assess whether their indication for proton pump indicators is appropriate as per the standard guidelines. The data is collected by the personal interview of patients or their attenders and filled information in the questionnaires and results are analysed. Effective interventions are made and then a second phase audit is conducted. Again data is collected and results are analysed. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of drugs that cause pronounced and long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production. PPIs are frequently prescribed for inappropriate indications or for indications where their use offers little benefit. Inappropriate PPI use is a matter of great concern, especially in the elderly, who are often affected by multiple comorbidities and are taking multiple medications, and are thus at an increased risk of long-term PPI-related adverse outcomes as well as drug-to-drug interactions. Our audit aimed to assess whether the current use of proton pump inhibitors in a general practice conforms to standard guidelines. Results: Out of 205 patients, appropriate use was found in 176 cases, and inappropriate use of PPIs was found in 29 cases in phase I audit. After intervention, Phase II audit is conducted and results are evaluated. Out of 250 patients, appropriate use was found in 248 cases, and inappropriate use of PPIs was found in 2 cases in phase II audit. The inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors was decreased in the Phase II by around 14.2%, when compared to the Phase I audit. Conclusion: The present clinical audit showed the usage pattern of PPIs in a wide range of indications. PPIs should be used only when there is valid documented evidence and when their use is clinically justified. This clinical audit has strongly highlighted that there is inappropriate use of PPI as add on drug for corticosteroids. Various efforts should be made to reduce the unnecessary use of PPIs to minimize drug interactions, related risks, adverse effects and health care costs.

Effectiveness of prescribing codes in reducing inappropriate proton pump inhibitors in ambulatory care

BackgroundHealth care deciders are aware of the inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). To reduce inappropriate prescriptions, the Conseil du Médicament (CdM) issued a practice guideline and the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Quebec (RAMQ) asked prescribers to justify its use by writing a specific indication code for their patients to obtain drug coverage. ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention by the RAMQ to reduce inappropriate PPI prescription. MethodsA cross-sectional quasi-experimental prospective study was performed in an emergency department. Patients aged 18 years or older were included in 2016 to 2017 and 2019 to 2021 in the pre- and postintervention group, respectively. The proportion of patients on PPI without an appropriate indication were identified from patient interviews and chart review. ResultsA total of 871 and 1475 patients were recruited in the pre- and postintervention groups. According to the CdM guideline, the proportion of inappropriate PPI prescription was 30.7% (n = 267) in the preintervention group and 49.1% (n = 724) in the postintervention group (P < 0.001). According to the RAMQ criteria, the proportion of inappropriate PPI prescription was of 76.1% (n = 663) and 81.4% (n = 1200) in the pre- and postintervention group, respectively (P < 0.001). ConclusionThis study highlights the ineffectiveness of the codes for PPI prescriptions in reducing inappropriate prescriptions. It seems that the obligation to write a code does not lead to a reassessment of PPI indication.

Using an algorithm to assess the rate and trend over time of inappropriate proton pump inhibitors prescription upon hospital discharge.

There is an increasing interest in inappropriate proton pump inhibitors prescription (InPPIp), as defined by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. To evaluate the rate, trend over time and factors associated with InPPIp upon discharge from internal medicine departments. We evaluated patients discharged from internal medicine departments with a PPI prescription in 2014 and 2017 at an academic referral center according to a developed algorithm. A total of 3,982 patients were included (50.8% women, 74% ≥ 65 years). The rate of InPPIp was 44.3% (95% CI 42.8-45.9) for the entire cohort; 68.1% for subjects aged < 65 years and 36.0% for those aged ≥ 65 years (p<0.001); 43.2% in 2014 and 45.6% in 2017 (p=0.130). In a decision-tree analysis, after the exclusion of 448 patients with gastrointestinal indications, 89.4% (1,580/1,766) of all InPPIp cases were of patients without dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) and 8.6% (151/1,766) were of patients younger than 65 years, who were taking aspirin. The rate of InPPIp is high, especially among patients not receiving DAPT and young patients taking aspirin. Time trend analysis showed no improvement over time. Our algorithm may serve as an automated quality measuring tool to reduce InPPIp.

A149 CHARACTERIZING INAPPROPRIATE PROTON-PUMP INHIBITOR DISCONTINUATION IN PATIENTS WITH ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES

Abstract Background Recent recommendations to reduce proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage may cause uncertainty for clinicians and patients. We have shown increased PPI discontinuation rates in patients with esophageal strictures in recent years. Purpose: We aim to determine the appropriateness of PPI discontinuation in patients undergoing esophageal dilation for symptomatic strictures. Purpose We aim to determine the appropriateness of PPI discontinuation in patients undergoing esophageal dilation for symptomatic strictures. Method All patients from two gastroenterology practices who received dilations to treat symptomatic esophageal strictures in 2015-2021, (group 1: 2015-17 and group 2: 2019-21) were identified using physician billing codes for this retrospective study. Patient demographics, medications, and previous GI diagnoses were collected using endoscopy reports, nursing reports and medication records from the local hospital database. We defined PPI discontinuation as either a 50% dose reduction, 50% frequency reduction or complete medication discontinuation at the time of endoscopic dilation compared to the established PPI therapy. Next, we defined inappropriate PPI discontinuation as a patient who discontinued their PPI medication with a past history of 1. esophageal stricture, 2. Barrett’s esophagus 3. grade C/D esophagitis, or 4. experienced symptom reoccurrence after PPI discontinuation. We selected these criteria as they are consistent with both Canadian and American Gastroenterology Society GERD management guidelines. This information was coded on a standard data sheet and entered into SPSS for analysis. Result(s) In total, 223 patients were identified with an average age of 58.7 and a sex ratio of (125:98, M:F). 26 patients discontinued their PPI medication prior to esophageal stricture dilation. The most frequent type of event was complete PPI discontinuation at 58% (15/26 cases). Followed by frequency reduction at 27% (7/26), dose reduction at 8% (2/26), and both dose and frequency reduction at 8% (2/26). The 26 patients with PPI discontinuations had an average length of 13 months between PPI discontinuation and esophageal stricture dilation. 57% (15/26 cases) of patients meet our criteria for inappropriate PPI discontinuation (table 2). The proportion of inappropriate PPI discontinuation are as follows: Group 1: 33% (3/9 cases) inappropriate PPI discontinuations and Group 2: 70% (12/17 cases) inappropriate PPI discontinuations, (P=0.06) upon Chi-squared analysis. Table 2- Inappropriate PPI discontinuations Previous Stricture: 10/26 Barrett’s Esophagus: 0/26 Grade C/D Esophagitis: 1/26 Symptom Reoccurrence: 4/26 Total inappropriate discontinuations: 15/26 = 57% Total appropriate discontinuations (no PMH): 11/26 = 43% Conclusion(s) Compete PPI discontinuation was the most common type of PPI discontinuation event. There was a trend toward more inappropriate PPI discontinuations in the second time period. Physicians should carefully consider indications for PPI use prior to discontinuation. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest K. Kecskemeti: None Declared, M. Borgaonkar Consultant of: $10K, Speakers bureau of: $20K, J. McGrath: None Declared

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.

Evaluation of Proton Pump Inhibitors Prescribing Among Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective agents for managing acid-related disorders. However, inappropriate prescribing of PPIs is becoming an issue of concern. This study aimed to assess the appropriate utilization of PPIs in terms of indication, dose, frequency, and route of administration during admission and discharge. Furthermore, direct costs associated with inappropriate PPI use were calculated. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the internal medicine department of a tertiary hospital in Palestine from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021. The medical records of patients aged 18 years or older, hospitalized for 48 hours or more, and receiving oral or intravenous (IV) PPIs during their stay were collected and evaluated for the appropriateness of PPIs prescribed according to clinical guidelines. Of 262 patients, 80.2% had an appropriate indication for prophylaxis (67.6%) or treatment (12.6%). A total of 230 patients were prescribed IV pantoprazole.182 (79.1%) had an appropriate indication, whereas 122/182 (67%) received IV PPI instead of oral without an appropriate indication. Of the 32 patients who received 20 mg of oral omeprazole, 28 (87.5%) had an appropriate indication, dose, and route of administration, whereas 16/28 (57.1%) had an inappropriate frequency. At discharge, 32.5% of patients were discharged with unnecessary PPI prescriptions. The total direct cost of inappropriate PPI Indications and route of administration in 188 patients over six months was $1518. This study showed that most patients received a PPI for an appropriate indication with the correct dose. However, a high prevalence of inappropriate IV pantoprazole administration was observed, resulting in the highest costs, demonstrating the importance of correctly ordering IV medications. Adherence to clinical guidelines, such as those of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), will improve the appropriateness of PPI prescribing, prevent complications, and reduce healthcare costs.

Thésaurus d’interventions pharmaceutiques associées aux prescriptions injustifiées d’inhibiteurs de la pompe à protons

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the most effective drugs in the treatment of acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. Yet, many studies reported potential adverse drug reactions associated with long-term use. In order to reduce the rates of inappropriate PPI prescriptions and to improve patient safety, a tool aimed at guiding pharmacists to analyze PPI prescriptions was designed. It results in a thesaurus of clinical situations designed to argue about the inappropriateness of some PPI prescriptions and to highlight the risk associated with them. Clinical situations in which PPIs are inappropriate were identified by four pharmacists in one gastroenterological, one surgery/liver transplantation, one internal medicine and one oncology units. A scientific literature search was performed for each clinical situation in order to corroborate the pharmacist interventions. The thesaurus comprises two parts, the first one is dedicated to 12 clinical situations in which a PPI is not required (acute pancreatitis, cholecystectomy etc.), while the second one focus on 22 situations in which PPIs are associated with specific adverse drug reactions (Clostridium difficile infection, vitamin deficiency etc.). Eighty-one articles were used to support the pharmacist interventions. This thesaurus is an analysis tool aimed at guiding pharmacists identify and argue about the inappropriateness of some PPI prescriptions in order to convince doctors to discontinue or not to initiate PPI prescriptions.

Incorporation of Student Pharmacists into a Proton Pump Inhibitor Deprescribing Telehealth Program for Rural Veterans.

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely prescribed class of medications in the United States. Although effective in the treatment of acid related disease, inappropriate PPI use is prevalent, and long-term PPI use has been associated with adverse effects. Objectives: This evaluation explores the novelty of a student-pharmacist directed PPI deprescribing telehealth program with the goals of (1) determining whether PPIs are appropriately prescribed in Veterans via remote student-led chart reviews, (2) identifying if a gap exists between urban and rural Veterans prescribed a PPI, and (3) assessing the feasibility of integrating student pharmacists into the PPI deprescribing process utilizing telehealth visits through a pilot study. Methods: Student pharmacists evaluated PPI appropriateness in Veterans at the William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital. Students collected data via remote chart reviews, compared appropriateness of PPI therapy in rural versus urban Veterans, and conducted a deprescribing pilot call study in rural Veterans with inappropriate PPI indications. Clinical decision-making was agreed upon in collaboration with pharmacist preceptors, however all means of communication with Veterans was performed by student pharmacists. Results: 51% of Veterans were found to have an inappropriate indication for their PPI, though comparison of inappropriate PPI use in rural versus urban Veterans was not statistically significant (n=170, p-value 0.34). 83% of Veterans agreed to proceed with PPI deprescribing and 71% of Veterans ended the pilot study with at least some degree of PPI dose reduction (n=33). Conclusion: Inappropriate PPI use among rural and urban Veterans is prevalent, however a significant difference was not observed between the two cohorts. Student pharmacists are capable of successful telehealth deprescribing interventions in collaboration with pharmacists.

Applicability of tools to identify potentially inappropriate prescribing in elderly during medication review: Comparison of STOPP/START version 2, Beers 2019, EU(7)-PIM list, PRISCUS list, and Amsterdam tool-A pilot study.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is one of the major risk factors of adverse drug events in elderly patients. Pharmacotherapy assessment criteria may help reduce the instances of PIP among geriatric patients. This study aimed to verify the applicability of selected tools designed to assess prescribing appropriateness in elderly and to identify PIP in the study population. Based on pharmacist-led medication reviews that were performed among patients attending senior day-care centers based in Poland, aged 65 years and over, the following tools were applied for assessing the appropriateness of pharmacotherapy: PILA (patient-in-focus listing approach): STOPP/START v.2 and Amsterdam tool, DOLA (drug-oriented listing approach): PRISCUS list, and DOLA+: Beers criteria v.2019 and the EU(7)-PIM list–the criteria oriented on medications requiring indications. Fifty patients participated in the study. The prevalence of prescribing issues in the study population was very high and ranged from 28% to 100%, depending on the criteria applied. The highest number of PIP cases was identified based on the PILA criteria: STOPP/START v.2 (171, a mean of 3.4 PIP cases per patient), and the Amsterdam criteria (124, a mean of 2.5 PIP cases per patient). The lack of protective vaccinations against pneumococci identified using the START criterion was found to be the most common PIP (identified in 96% of the patients). Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) were identified as the most problematic group of medications. The STOPP, EU(7)-PIM and Beers criteria revealed cases of inappropriate prolonged PPI use, whereas the Amsterdam tool identified cases where PPIs should have been prescribed but were not. The highest number of PIP cases in the study population were identified with the PILA tools, and on this basis the most comprehensive assessment of pharmacotherapy appropriateness in geriatric patients was conducted. Further studies should be designed, covering a larger group of patients across different healthcare settings (inpatient and outpatient), with access to comprehensive patient data.

A feasibility study of a pharmacist led proton pump inhibitor deprescribing intervention in older patients in an Irish hospital

Abstract Introduction Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are over-prescribed and prescribed inappropriately in the older population and have the potential for long-term adverse effects e.g. increased fracture risk, C. difficile infection, chronic kidney disease and drug interactions (1). Hospitalisation of older patients presents an opportunity for review of the PPI indication and potential for deprescribing. Aim The study aimed to assess the feasibility of a pharmacist led intervention to deprescribe inappropriately prescribed PPIs in patients ≥65 years in an Irish teaching hospital. Methods A multi-component feasibility intervention consisting of an education session for the medical team, followed by pharmacist-led screening of patients for potential PPI deprescribing, was conducted. The education session was delivered by the pharmacist to a geriatric medical team and the content outlined the prevalence of PPI prescribing, potential long-term effects of PPIs, and implementation of a PPI deprescribing algorithm. Over an eight-week period (May-June 2021), new admissions to the geriatric team were screened daily by the pharmacist and PPI prescribing patterns and indications were recorded. Patients ≥65 years were reviewed for PPI appropriateness based on their medical history and use of a PPI deprescribing algorithm (2). If the PPI was eligible for deprescribing (i.e. dose reduction or discontinuation) this was discussed with the geriatric team and the patient’s primary care general practitioner (GP) and the patient. Patients were counselled and educated on this by the pharmacist. Patients whose PPI was deprescribed were followed up at 4- and 12- weeks post deprescribing to assess their symptoms and satisfaction with deprescribing in the interim period. An online survey was sent to the geriatric team doctors evaluating their views on the study process and implementation of PPI deprescribing in practice; data was analysed descriptively using Microsoft Excel®. Written, informed consent was obtained from all patients and doctors involved. Results Of a total of 133 patient charts reviewed over the 8-week period, 94 patients were prescribed a PPI, with esomeprazole 40mg (43/94, 45.7%) being most commonly prescribed PPI, followed by pantoprazole 40mg (17/94, 18.1%). PPIs were inappropriately prescribed as per the indication in 36 cases (36/94, 38.3%). Following GP and Geriatric team discussion, 7/94 (7.4%) of patients were eligible for deprescribing, of which 5 had their PPI dose reduced (5/94, 5.3%). One patient declined the deprescribing, in another case the GP declined the deprescribing recommendation. The 5 patients deprescribed had their esomeprazole 40mg daily dose reduced to 20mg daily. This was sustained at the 12-week follow up and patients reported satisfaction with the change with no negative outcomes reported. Of the 12 geriatric doctors in the study, 6 completed the online survey. The majority reported barriers to PPI deprescribing being uncertainty regarding the indication (5/6) and being unable to monitor the patient after hospital discharge (5/6). All doctors agreed that pharmacists have a positive role to play in implementing PPI deprescribing. Conclusion This study found that esomeprazole 40mg daily was the most commonly prescribing PPI in this hospital cohort, with the majority of PPI prescribing found to be inappropriate according to the indication. The feasibility study resulted in a number of patients having their PPI safely deprescribed with a dose reduction. Despite the limitation of a small sample size and small rates of deprescribing, a strength of the study was that a pharmacist led PPI deprescribing initiative resulted in reducing inappropriate PPI prescribing in older patients, with positive engagement from the geriatric medical team. Further resources and research are required to implement this initiative on a wider scale. References (1) Wilsdon TD, Hendrix I, Thynne TR, Mangoni AA. Effectiveness of Interventions to Deprescribe Inappropriate Proton Pump Inhibitors in Older Adults. Drugs Aging. 2017 Apr;34(4):265-287. doi: 10.1007/s40266-017-0442-1. PMID: 28220380. (2) National Health Service. Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI): Deprescribing algorithm (adult) [Internet]. [cited 2021 Aug 6]. Available from: https://www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk/Downloads/aboutus/medicines-management/Other Guidelines/prescqipp proton-pump-inhibitor-desprescribing-algorithm.pdf

Appropriateness of Proton-Pump Inhibitor Usage among Hospitalized Patients in a Johor Government Hospital

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are potent and effective acid suppressant agents. There are emerging concerns that PPI overuse leads to escalating healthcare costs, drug-drug interactions, and adverse clinical outcomes. Exploring the appropriateness of PPI therapy among hospitalised patients in Malaysia is crucial. Thus, this study aims to determine the appropriateness of proton pump inhibitors utilisation in Sultan Ismail Hospital, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a public tertiary hospital situated in the Johore state of Malaysia. Patients recruited were 12 years and above who had received PPI in January 2017. Medical information was reviewed from electronic medical records. Patients were classified into three subgroups based on indications adopted from evidence-based guidelines. Results: 422 patients were enrolled, 47.4% (n=200) fulfilled the Food Drug Administration (FDA) approved indications, 25.4% (n=107) had borderline indications, and 27.2% (n=115) had inappropriate PPI usage. Improper PPI therapy was observed with a similar fraction of patients in medical (24.5%, n= 58 ) and non-medical disciplines (30.8 %, n=57). Stress ulcer prevention in low-risk subjects and individuals with no apparent indication were reasons for PPI overuse. Conclusion: PPI overuse is prevailing in hospitalised adult patients. Promoting the awareness of guideline-based indications and adverse clinical events of PPI among clinicians is imperative in improving PPI prescribing.

Proton pump inhibitor usage is associated with higher all-cause mortality and CV events in peritoneal dialysis patients

Objectives A long period of inappropriate proton pump inhibitors (PPI) treatment has been proved to be associated with adverse prognosis in general population and hemodialysis patients. This study was conducted to clarify the impact of PPI usage on mortality and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods and design This is a retrospective study. A total of 905 patients were enrolled from two PD centers, including 211 patients on PPI treatment and 618 patients not on PPIs. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to identify the incidence of adverse outcomes. Multivariate Cox regression models and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were applied to analyze hazard ratios (HRs) for adverse outcomes. Results During follow-up, 162 deaths and 102 CV events were recorded. Kaplan–Meier curve demonstrated all-cause mortality (log-rank test p = .018) and CV events (log-rank test p = .024) were significantly higher in PPI usage group. Multivariate Cox regression models and IPTW showed that PPI usage was an indicator for all-cause mortality (HR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.09–1.67, p = .006) and CV events (HR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.35–2.32, p < .001). Conclusions PPI usage is associated with higher all-cause mortality and CV events in PD patients. Clinicians are supposed to be more careful when using PPI and need to master the indications more rigorously in patients receiving PD treatment.

Effectiveness of a multi-faceted intervention to deprescribe proton pump inhibitors in primary care: protocol for a population-based, pragmatic, cluster-randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInappropriately using proton pump inhibitors (PPI) is associated with severe adverse drug reactions and may have major consequences on healthcare costs. Deprescribing (the process by which a healthcare professional supervises the withdrawal of an inappropriate medication, to manage polypharmacy and improve outcomes) should be considered when an inappropriate PPI prescription is identified. Deprescribing interventions directed solely to prescribers have limited efficacy and are rarely targeted to patients. The aim of this trial is to assess the efficacy of a multi-faceted intervention with patients and general practitioners (GPs) to deprescribe PPI.MethodsWe will conduct a pragmatic, cluster-randomized, population-based, controlled trial in two regions of Western France. GPs with practices with over 100 patients, and their adult patient to whom over 300 defined daily doses (DDD) of PPIs have been dispensed in the year before baseline will be included. A total of 1300 GPs and 33,000 patients will be cluster-randomized by GPs practices. Three arms will be compared: i) a multi-faceted intervention associating a) a patient education brochure about PPI deprescribing sent directly to patients (the brochure was designed using a mixed-methods study), and b) a personalized letter with the Bruyere’s PPI deprescribing algorithm sent to their respective GPs, or ii) a single intervention where only the GPs received the letter and algorithm, or iii) no intervention.The primary outcome will be PPI deprescribing, defined as the proportion of patients achieving at least a 50% decrease in the amount of PPI dispensed to them (DDD/year) at 12 months compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes will include incremental cost-utility ratio (using EQ-5D-5L scale and National Health Insurance’s database), acid rebound (using the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Impact Scale), and the patients’ attitudes towards deprescribing (using the French rPATD).DiscussionBased on previous trials, we anticipate more than 10% “successful PPI deprescribing” in the multi-faceted intervention compared to the single intervention on GPs and the control arm. The study has been funded through a national grant and will be launched in autumn 2020, for early results by the end of 2022.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT04255823; first registered on February 5, 2020.