Effects of Prolonged Proton-Pump Inhibitor Use on Renal Dysfunction and Bone Fragility

Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use for management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) consists of a short-duration trial, according to guidelines. Long-term usage is appropriate under certain indications. Literature has increasingly documented an adverse effect profile of PPIs, including kidney disease and bone fragility.

To investigate the rate of occurrence of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients using PPI therapy for longer than the recommended trial period of 8 weeks.

Retrospective cohort analysis of a single-site primary care clinic. Patients aged 18 to 65 years with PPI prescriptions longer than 8 weeks were included. Information regarding PPI prescriptions, demographics, and medical diagnoses was collected.

The search discovered 293 PPI-users and 1908 never-PPI-users. Demographics varied, with a P-value <0.05 in age, body mass index (BMI), and black population (higher in PPI group). The PPI cohort featured higher rates of osteoporosis/osteopenia and CKD (P < 0.001). The odds ratios (ORs) of diagnosis with PPI use was 2.91 (95% CI = [1.692, 4.979]) in osteoporosis/osteopenia. The OR was 1.14 (95% CI = [1.141, 2.229]) in CKD and PPI use but higher with diabetes, elevated BMI, black race, and male gender.

We observed increased occurrence rates of osteoporosis, or osteopenia, and CKD in patients with prolonged PPI use. Demographics varied in age, BMI, and black race proportion. A logistic regression revealed increased likelihood of kidney disease and osteoporosis/osteopenia in association with PPI use. These results add to the evidence regarding long-term PPI use and the development of these conditions, but additional studies are needed.