The possible association of proton pump inhibitor use with acute cholangitis in patients with choledocholithiasis: a multi-center study

Abstract

Background

Gallstone disease is common worldwide and can lead to severe complications, including cholangitis; thus, it is important to identify modifiable risk factors for cholangitis. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed to treat gastroenterological disorders. We aimed to explore whether PPI use is associated with an increased risk of acute cholangitis in patients with gallstone disease.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included all patients arriving to the hospital over a 10-year period with various presentations of choledocholithiasis. We compared active PPI use in two groups: those with cholangitis (group A) vs. without cholangitis (group B).

Results

Overall, 811 patients were included, 161 in group A and 650 in group B. The average age ± standard deviation (SD) in groups A and B was 74.5 ± 20.6 vs. 61.6 ± 20.9 years, respectively. PPI use in group A was higher vs. group B (42.9% vs. 29.1%, p = 0.001). On univariate analysis, male gender (OR 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–2.08), age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.05), ischemic heart disease (IHD) (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.07–2.64), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.11–2.29), hypertension (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.28–2.57) and PPI use (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.28–2.61), all were associated with acute cholangitis. On multivariate analysis, only PPI use kept its association after adjustment for age (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.2–3.7).

Conclusions

Active PPI use was associated with a higher rate of cholangitis among patients with choledocholithiasis. We advocate considering this risk before prescribing PPIs to patients with gallstones.

Trial registration number

NHR-0263-20 received on 14/01/2021 date ‘retrospectively registered’.

Keywords:

• Stones
• bile duct
• cholangitis
• PPI
• severity

Author contributions

WS and TK contributed to study concept and design. WS and TK contributed to supervision. WS, HA, HAS, MS, IK, LK, AM and TK contributed to data collection. WS and TK contributed to data analysis, writing the first draft and critical review and editing of the manuscript. WS, HA, HAS, MS, IK, LK, AM and TK approved the final version to be published.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).