08 Feb PPIs Linked to Increased Risk of Asthma in Children

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Yun-Han Wang

Yun-Han Wang MSc
PhD student, Karolinska Institute

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in children has increased substantially in recent years, concurrently with emerging concerns that these drugs may increase the risk of asthma. Whether PPI use in the broad pediatric population is associated with increased risk of asthma is not known. 

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? 

Response: In this nationwide cohort study, we observed a significant 57% increased risk of asthma among children who initiated PPI use compared with those who did not initiate PPI use. An increased risk was observed across all age groups and was greatest in infants and toddlers younger than 2 years. The finding was consistent across individual PPIs, and the risk increase was similar regardless of the cumulative duration of PPI treatment. An increased risk was observed for asthma occurring early after treatment initiation, as well as later.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Proton pump inhibitors should be prescribed to children only when clearly indicated, weighing the potential benefit against potential harm.   

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: On the basis of our study, future studies examining asthma in children is suggested to take proton pump inhibitor use into account.   

Citation:

Wang Y, Wintzell V, Ludvigsson JF, Svanström H, Pasternak B. Association Between Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Risk of Asthma in Children. JAMA Pediatr. Published online February 08, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.5710

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Last Updated on February 8, 2021 by Marie Benz MD FAAD