Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Risk of Hip Fracture in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Background: Posttransplantation bone disease is a significant problem, with few well-evidenced therapeutic options. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with hip fracture in the general population and are widely prescribed for kidney transplant recipients.

Study design: A case-control study.

Setting & participants: From the US Renal Data System, we identified from diagnoses and procedures 231 kidney transplant recipients with a first hip fracture. Cases were matched at the hip fracture index date with 15,575 controls on age, sex, race, and transplantation year.

Predictor: PPI use.

Outcomes: First hip fracture.

Results: In the year prior to the index date, a PPI was prescribed to 65.4% of cases and 57.4% of controls. Additionally, in 34.6% of cases and 28.9% of controls, a PPI was prescribed for >80% of the year preceding the index date (higher PPI users). Unadjusted ORs of hip fracture associated with any and higher PPI use were 1.55 (95% CI, 1.18-2.05) and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.2-2.27), respectively. When adjusted for baseline demographic, clinical, and pharmacologic covariables, any and higher PPI use remained associated with hip fracture, with ORs of 1.39 (95% CI, 1.04-1.84) and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.02-1.95), respectively.

Limitations: Potential residual confounding through either incorrectly ascertained or unavailable confounders; cohort limited to Medicare beneficiaries receiving low-income subsidy.

Conclusions: In summary, PPI use was associated with hip fracture risk in the US kidney transplant population.

Keywords: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI); US Renal Data System (USRDS); bone disease; case-control; drug safety; end-stage renal disease (ESRD); hip fracture; kidney transplantation; modifiable risk factor; omeprazole; outcomes; peptic ulcer prophylaxis; renal transplant recipient.