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Occurrence of community-acquired respiratory tract infection in patients receiving esomeprazole: retrospective analysis of adverse events in 31 clinical trials

Estborn L, Joelson S

Drug safety, 2008

16 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A potential causal association between an increase in gastric pH and a risk of community-acquired respiratory tract infection (RTI), specifically pneumonia, has been debated in relation to the use of potent gastric acid-suppressive medication.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of community-acquired RTI, including pneumonia, in patients receiving esomeprazole versus placebo and other acid-suppressive agents in randomized clinical trials.

METHODS: The AstraZeneca ARIADNE safety database was searched for comparative, controlled phase II-IV randomized, blinded clinical studies with esomeprazole and standard reporting of all adverse events (AEs). Pooled AE data were presented according to treatment comparison (esomeprazole versus placebo, esomeprazole 40 mg versus 20 mg daily, esomeprazole versus omeprazole, lansoprazole and/or ranitidine, respectively). Frequency and relative risk (RR), with 99% confidence interval (CI) and adjustment for time on treatment, were calculated for the following four AE categories: all RTIs; signs and symptoms potentially indicating RTI; lower RTI; and pneumonia.

RESULTS: Thirty-one studies were identified, in which 16 583 patients received esomeprazole and 12 044 patients received either placebo or comparator acid-suppressive drugs. The occurrence of all four categories of AEs was similar between esomeprazole and placebo (all RTIs: 9.2% versus 8.5%; signs and symptoms of RTI: 1.8% versus 1.8%; lower RTI: 1.6% versus 1.5%; and…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 16 participants or records.

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