Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Is Associated With an Increased Frequency of Hospitalization in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications in clinical practice. PPI use has been associated with the development of community-acquired pneumonia. With a reported prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and PPI use that is higher than the general population, patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are particularly vulnerable to PPI adverse effects. We sought to explore whether PPI use was associated with a higher number of hospitalizations for CF pulmonary exacerbation.

Methods: We conducted a longitudinal retrospective review in an academic outpatient setting. Patients > 18 years of age with a diagnosis of CF and at least 1 year of follow-up were eligible for inclusion. Baseline characteristics, PPI use, and details of hospitalization through 1 year of follow-up were collected.

Results: One hundred fourteen patients met inclusion criteria. Fifty-nine patients (51.7%) were hospitalized at least once in the follow-up year, mean number of hospitalizations was 2.17 (± 1.9). At least 6 months of PPI use was observed in 59 patients (51.7%). In univariate analysis, PPI use was associated with a significantly higher mean number of hospitalizations (0.9 vs. 1.4, P = 0.009). In a multi-variable regression model, PPI use remained significantly associated with a higher number of hospitalizations (P = 0.03), while controlling for risk factors traditionally associated with increased pulmonary exacerbations.

Conclusion: PPI use is highly prevalent in CF patients. Exposure to PPI therapy is independently associated with a higher number of hospitalizations for pulmonary exacerbation in CF patients.