More on Proton-Pump Inhibitors and Clostridium difficile Infection

In the latest study of this possible association, U.S. inpatients treated with PPIs were not at increased risk for recurrent C. difficile infection.

In the past, gastric acid was not believed to be important in protecting against Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) because acid-resistant spores were presumed to be the principal vector of transmission. However, that belief was challenged by findings from observational studies showing an increased risk for CDI with use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Most recently, findings of observational studies on the association between PPI use and CDI have been conflicting.

To investigate this issue further, researchers in the U.S. assessed whether in-hospital PPI use was associated with increased risk for recurrent CDI. Electronic medical records of 894 patients hospitalized with incident CDI were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-three percent o…

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