Proton pump inhibitors (PPI), which are used to treat hyperacidity and heartburn, are linked with an increased risk for chronic kidney disease, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins University.
To check the link between proton pump inhibitors and chronic kidney disease, the researchers compiled data from two sources. First, they investigated data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, particularly the participants' self-reported use of the drugs. The ARIC study has a total of 10,482 participants, who were followed for an average of 14 years.
Next, they took outpatient prescription data for proton pump inhibitors at the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania. The patients were followed for an average of six years.
In the first group, the proton pump inhibitor users had an 11.8 percent increased risk for chronic kidney disease while those who did not use the drugs had an 8.5 percent increased risk. In the second group, those who took proton pump inhibitors had a 15.6 percent increased risk for the disease while those who didn't take the heartburn drugs had a 13.9 percent risk.
"We note that our study is observational and does not provide evidence of causality. However, a causal relationship between PPI use and CKD could have a considerable public health effect given the widespread extent of use," the researchers wrote in a press release.
The researchers suggested that further studies be conducted to determine if there is a cause and effect relationship between proton pump inhibitors and kidney damage.
The study was published online Jan. 11 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
