Effects of Chronic Proton-Pump Inhibitor Use on Kidney Function in Older Adults

OBJECTIVE: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been associated with adverse renal outcomes in older adults; however, there are little data regarding the magnitude of the change in renal function in this population. The objective of this study was to quantify the change in kidney function associated with chronic PPI therapy at two years in older adults using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
DESIGN: The study was a retrospective, pre/post, observational cohort.
SETTING/PATIENTS/INTERVENTIONS/MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The study included University of Colorado Health primary care patients 60 to 89 years of age who were newly initiated on a PPI between August 1, 2012, and March 1, 2015, and remained on therapy for at least two years. The primary outcome was the change in kidney function, measured by eGFR, two years after starting PPI therapy. Secondary outcomes included change in kidney function and incidence of reduction in eGFR to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² two years post-index date between patients with and without diabetes mellitus.
RESULTS: Of 877 electronic health records reviewed, 100 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean change in eGFR was -6.15 mL/min/1.73 m² (standard error of the mean = 1.03) at two years compared with baseline
(95% confidence interval -8.20 to -4.10; P < 0.0001). There were no differences in the secondary outcomes based on concomitant diabetes mellitus.
CONCLUSIONS: Chronic PPI use was associated with a significant reduction in eGFR in ambulatory older adults at two years, beyond that expected based on increased age alone. Prescribers should be aware of the potential adverse renal effects of chronic PPI use.