[Proton-pump inhibitors treatment. Does your patient really need it?]

Introduction: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) are frequently prescribed for wide gastrointestinal disorders. The indications are well established, although a high rate of misuse has been reported.

Methods: Observation cross-sectional study conducted a tertiary hospital. Adult patients who attended the emergency department were eligible. The appropriate indication was evaluated. Also, the prescription period, dosage and the prescribing clinician were reviewed.

Results: 300 patients were included. The indication was adequate in 142 patients (47.3%). The main indication was the primary prophylaxis for NSAIDs/ASA-induced enteropathy (n=95 patients, 31.7%). Polypharmacy was the main misuse indication (n=82 patients, 27.3%). The median prescription duration was 31 months (IQR 9-72), ranging from one month to 360 months. The duration was lower in those with correct indication (42.3 vs 59.6 months, P=.02). The primary care physician was the main responsible for prescription (n=165 patients, 55%), followed by gastroenterologist (n=38 patients, 12.7%) without significant differences in appropriateness by speciality.

Conclusions: Studies like this raise awareness about the PPI overuse and misuse. Deprescribing should be considered as essential to reduce iatrogenic risk and redundant health expenditure.