Use of anti-secretory medication: a population-based cohort study.
BACKGROUND
Total use of anti-secretory medication (H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors) is increasing rapidly, but knowledge of factors related to the increasing use is sparse.


OBJECTIVE
To describe development in the use of anti-secretory medication between 1993 and 2002 at a population level.


METHODS
We extracted data on use of anti-secretory medication (H2-blockers and proton pump inhibitors) and ulcerogenic drugs, demographic data, and data on gastroscopy and endoscopically verified oesophagitis and peptic ulcer diagnoses, from three large population-based databases covering the County of Funen, Denmark 1990-2002 (population 470,000).


RESULTS
Between 1993 and 2002 incidence of first time users was stable at 16.7/1000 persons/year. Total amount of consumed anti-secretory medication increased from 10.5 DDD/1000 persons/day to 25.2 DDD/1000 persons/day. Ninety per cent of the increase was related to long-term use of anti-secretory medication (> or = 180 DDD/patient/year). In 1993 21% of the anti-secretory medication was used by patients with oesophagitis, this increased to 28% in 2002. The proportion of medication used by peptic ulcer patients decreased from 29% in 1993 to 19% in 2002.


CONCLUSIONS
Total use of anti-secretory medication increased as a result of more extensive long-term use, and most of the medication was used by patients without diagnosed peptic ulcer or oesophagitis.
Lassen
A
A
Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark. annmarie.lassen@ouh.fyns-amt.dk
Hallas
J
J
Schaffalitzky De Muckadell
O B
OB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors
D000863:Antacids; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors