Proton pump inhibitors reduce gallbladder function.
BACKGROUND
In the authors' previous study of gallbladder function before and after fundoplication, 58% of the patients demonstrated preoperative gallbladder motor dysfunction, and 86% of those retested after operation and cessation of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) normalized. Because no study has directly assessed the impact of antisecretory agents on gallbladder function, this study measured gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) in healthy volunteers before and after initiation of PPIs.


METHODS
A total of 19 subjects completed the study, which included baseline determination of GBEF by cholecystokinin-stimulated hepatobiliary acid scan, 30 days of antisecretory therapy with omeprazole (40 mg daily), and repeat GBEF on day 30. Subjects were surveyed regarding compliance and symptoms.


RESULTS
For 15 of 19 subjects, PPI therapy was associated with reduced gallbladder motility. Evolution of symptoms consistent with a biliary etiology was reported by 26.7% of these subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Short-term PPI therapy reduces gallbladder motility in healthy volunteers. Chronic PPI therapy may pose a risk for long-term gallbladder dysfunction and biliary complications.
Cahan
M A
MA
Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 7081, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7081, USA.
Balduf
L
L
Colton
K
K
Palacioz
B
B
McCartney
W
W
Farrell
T M
TM
D000328:Adult; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D012016:Reference Values
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D009853:Omeprazole