Are PPIs Culprits in the C. difficile Epidemic?

In a case-control study, researchers find significant excess risk in hospitalized patients who receive PPIs.

Use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been implicated as a factor in the recent epidemic of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD), although, in many studies, the evidence has been indirect at best (JW Jan 10 2006 and JW Oct 24 2006). In the present study, researchers compared 94 adults who acquired CDAD as inpatients at a single hospital in Saudi Arabia with 94 controls who were matched for duration and nature of antibiotic treatment, hospital ward, room type, and other factors.

In univariate and multivariate analyses, PPI use correlated significantly with risk for CDAD, as did renal failure (developing either before or after admission). Histamine-2 (H₂)-blocker use did not contribute significantly to risk, nor did gastrointest…

Reviewing Author

Abigail Zuger, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Abigail Zuger, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose