Do Gastric Acid–Suppressing Drugs Increase Risk for Community-Acquired Pneumonia?

Contrary to previous observational study findings, no association was observed.

Results of observational studies suggest an elevated risk for hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients using proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). The hypothesis is that the alteration of gastric pH leads to diminished bactericidal protection and, consequently, increased risk for infection. However, as the patients in those studies were often taking PPIs for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which itself is an independent risk factor for CAP, the results may have been biased toward a positive association due to uncontrolled confounding.

In the current study, investigators specifically selected patients who were prescribed PPIs for a non-GERD indication — prevention of complications associated with use of nonsteroidal…

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