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Prescribing Patterns of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Germany: A Retrospective Study Including 472 146 Patients

Plehhova K, Haering M, Wray J, Coyle C, Ibáñez E, Kostev K

Journal of primary care & community health, 2023

9,101 participants

Abstract

The aims of this study were to analyze proton pump inhibitor (PPI) users in Germany, defining and classifying them in terms of treatment appropriateness, and to analyze the PPI prescription practices of healthcare providers. The updated DGVS (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs-und Stoffwechselkrankheiten) gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment guideline (published March 2023) for mild heartburn symptoms recommends carrying out a probatory treatment of mild symptoms via other medication such as antacids, alginates, and H2 blockers before escalating to PPI treatments, if the patient profile allows. This retrospective cross-sectional study was based on data from the IQVIA™ Disease Analyzer database (DA) and included adult patients (18 years or older) in 1006 general and 39 gastroenterological practices in Germany who received at least 1 PPI prescription or alginate between September 2019 and September 2021 (hereinafter referred to as the index period). Analyses included indications associated with PPI prescription, co-diagnoses, co-therapies of PPI patients, duration of PPI therapy, dosages of PPI prescriptions, and proportions of practices prescribing PPIs and alginates. A total of 472 146 patients taking PPIs and 9101 patients taking alginates were available for analysis. Very few patients (4.5%) of the total cohort were treated in complete adherence to treatment guidelines. Conditions such as gastritis and duodenitis (47.2%) and reflux diseases…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 9,101 participants or records.

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