Inappropriate utilization of intravenous proton pump inhibitors in hospital practice-a prospective study of the extent of the problem and predictive factors

Aims: To examine IV PPI use in a large university teaching hospital to determine factors predicting inappropriate prescribing practices. Methods: Prospective study of 276 recently hospitalized patients initiated on IV PPI over a 6-month period. IV PPI use was deemed appropriate for the following indications: endoscopic evidence of recent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) haemorrhage, patient nil by mouth with a valid indication for oral PPI therapy and stress ulcer prophylaxis in a critical care setting. Results: The majority (208/276, 75.4%) of IV PPI prescriptions were deemed inappropriate in terms of either indication for use, dose or duration of therapy. The majority (168/276, 60.9%) of prescriptions were initiated on non-medical wards. Inappropriate prescribing was more common amongst female patients, surgical admissions, non-UGI haemorrhage cases and when initiated by junior hospital doctors. Surgical admission [odds ratio (OR) 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-7.42] and female gender [OR 3.92 (95% CI 1.84-8.34)] were independently predictive of inappropriate use. Conclusions: This study suggests that the majority of IV PPI prescriptions in hospital are inappropriate, particularly when initiated for non-UGI bleeding indications. Improving prescribing awareness through education of junior medical staff on non-medical wards could reduce inappropriate IV PPI use.