1226 Under-Utilization of Proton Pump Inhibitors in the Prevention of NSAID-Related Peptic Ulcer Disease in the Elderly

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) develops in approximately 25% of chronic users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The incidence of uncomplicated PUD has been declining over the past 3 decades unlike that of complicated PUD especially in the elderly. We aimed to evaluate physician compliance with the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) guidelines on the prevention of NSAID-related PUD complications in a tertiary academic setting. METHODS: We examined the Saint Louis University Hospital medical record database for a 9-month period extending from April 2018 until December 2018. Using this database, we identified 2,064 adult elderly patients (>64 years old) who were chronic (>3 months) users of low dose aspirin (81 mg once daily). We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who were at least on aspirin and had an indication for PUD prophylaxis as per ACG guidelines. Data collected from patient charts included age, gender, relevant medications (including proton pump inhibitors (PPI), aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), warfarin, or oral steroids), and whether prophylaxis was provided as per the ACG guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 301 adult elderly patients who were at least on aspirin and had an indication for PUD prophylaxis were identified in this study. The mean age was 75 years old. Six percent of included patients had a history of peptic ulcer disease. In addition to aspirin, patients were using P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel or ticagrelor, 50%), DOACs (24%), warfarin (11%), or steroids (9%). DOAC users were prescribed apixaban (16%), rivaroxaban (7%), or dabigatran (1%) (Table 1). All antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and steroids were prescribed by non-gastroenterologists. Only 35% of patients with an indication for PUD prophylaxis received a PPI. The prophylaxis rates were highest for patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease (62%) and were lowest for users of P2Y12 inhibitors (29%). There were no statistically significant age or gender related differences in the rates of compliance when independent sample t and chi square tests were performed (Table 1). CONCLUSION: Peptic ulcer disease prophylaxis with proton pump inhibitors may be underutilized in elderly patients. This finding, along with increasing rates of NSAID use and aging population, may help explain the increased incidence of complicated PUD in the elderly. Efforts are needed to raise physician awareness of PUD prophylaxis guidelines.