A retrospective study to assess the effect of proton pump inhibitors on renal profile in a south Indian hospital

Introduction: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are arguably among the most commonly prescribed drugs in clinical practice, either as part of treatment or prophylaxis. Many clinicians prescribe these drugs as part of any prescription, without a proper rationale. Recent studies done outside India have shown that these drugs are not entirely safe, and they can result in the development of acute renal injury. Aim: To assess the effect of PPIs on blood urea and serum creatinine, when administered for at least seven consecutive days. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a retrospective manner, using data from the medical records department. Values of blood urea and serum creatinine were taken twice, first before start of therapy and then after at least one week of therapy. Results: A total of 175 subjects were selected for the study. When their case files were analysed, acute kidney injury was identified in 19 (10.86%) of them. Pantoprazole was the most common drug involved (84.21%). Renal injury was more common in the age group of over 50 years of age. Conclusion: PPIs are not entirely free of adverse effects, as assumed by several practitioners. A vigilant eye has to be maintained on the patient’s renal profile so as to avoid any untoward decline in renal function, as evidenced in the current study.