Postoperative pneumonia in elderly patients receiving acid suppressants: a retrospective cohort analysis. (21st June 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Redelmeier, Donald A; McAlister, Finlay A; Kandel, Christopher E; Lu, Hong; Daneman, Nick
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 340(2010)
• Publication Date: 2010-06-21
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.c2608
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Objective To test whether gastric acid suppressants are associated with an increased risk of postoperative pneumonia in patients undergoing elective surgery. Design Population-wide retrospective cohort analysis. Setting Canadian acute care hospitals between 1 April 1992 and 31 March 2008. Patients Consecutive patients aged >65 years admitted for an elective operation. Outcome measure Postoperative pneumonia recorded in inpatient postoperative notes. Results A total of 593 265 patients were included, of whom about 21% were taking an acid suppressant (most commonly omeprazole or ranitidine). Overall, 6389 patients developed postoperative pneumonia, with a rate significantly higher for those taking acid suppressants (13 per 1000) than controls (10 per 1000), equivalent to a 30% increase in frequency (odds ratio 1.30 (95% confidence interval 1.23 to 1.38), P<0.001). However, no increase in risk was observed after adjustment for duration of surgery, site of surgery, and other confounders (odds ratio 1.02 (0.96 to 1.09), P=0.48). The general safety of acid suppressants extended to those patients prescribed proton pump inhibitors, experiencing long term treatment, receiving high doses, and undergoing high risk procedures. Conclusion After adjustment for patient and surgical characteristics, acid suppressants are not associated with an increased risk of postoperative pneumonia among elderly patients admitted for elective surgery.