Proton pump inhibitor use in a university teaching hospital

Introduction
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are highly prescribed drugs in Italy and in particular in the Sicilian region but little is known about their use in the hospital setting.

Materials and methods
PPI utilization and related costs were reviewed retrospectively by examining the pharmaceutical records of drug dispensation to the various wards of the Policlinico Universitario P. Giaccone of Palermo in 2010. Differences in the prescribing rates and drug preferences among the different clinical wards were analyzed.

Results
A total of 20,420 patients were hospitalized at the Policlinico of Palermo in 2010. Overall, the consumption of PPIs was 120 DDD/100 bed-days for the year 2010 with a total cost of 42,780 euros. Omeprazole and esomeprazole were the most commonly prescribed molecules accounting for over 70% of all prescriptions: nevertheless, wide differences in drug choices were noted even within the same ward. As expected, greater utilization rates were registered in the Internal Medicine and General Surgery departments. In particular, the highest consumption was observed in the Oncology, Geriatry and Obesity Surgery wards, with about 250 DDD/100 bed-days. All wards reported intravenous PPI administration suggesting some inappropriate use.

Discussion
From our data, PPIs appear to be moderately over-used at the Policlinico of Palermo. This practice may lead to the inappropriate continuation of therapy in primary care, further increasing costs and risks of adverse events. A survey evaluating in more detail the appropriateness of prescriptions is advisable.