Recent PPI Use and CAP

In a large case-control study, recent PPI use was associated with higher risk for community-acquired pneumonia, but this isn’t a definitive analysis.

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2–receptor antagonists (H₂RAs), the cornerstones of therapy for acid-related disorders, generally are believed to be safe. However, investigators have raised concern about potential adverse effects from potent acid suppression. A study published in 2004 showed that community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) was more common among current PPI users than among nonusers (Journal Watch Gastroenterology Dec 15 2004).

Now, using registries and databases from a Danish county, researchers have conducted a population-based case-control study to explore this association. They identified 7642 patients with first hospital admissions for CAP from 2000 through 2004 and 34,176 age-matched controls. Among these patients, 1…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors