An Emulated Clinical Trial of Deprescribing Proton Pump Inhibitors in Patients With Cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are overused and carry harms in cirrhosis. Deprescribing is advocated but has not been trialed.

METHODS AND FINDINGS: We emulated a clinical trial using Medicare data. All patients were receiving chronic PPI therapy before a compensated cirrhosis diagnosis. We compared the risk death/decompensation over 3 years between continuous users and deprescribers. We find that PPI deprescription is associated with less ascites and that cumulative PPI use is associated with more ascites and encephalopathy. Ultimately, 71% of deprescribers restart PPIs.

DISCUSSION: PPI deprescribing has benefits but requires ongoing support and alternative therapies for gastrointestinal symptoms.