Association of proton pump inhibitor use with recurrent falls and risk of fractures in older women: A study of medication use in older fallers

Objectives: To examine the association between Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use and falls and fractures. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting and participants: 400 female patients aged 70 years or older who were consecutively admitted to the Trauma Center Meidling, Vienna, after a fall and who required hospital admission. Methods: We quantified the strength of the associations between PPI use and falls, and between PPI use and fractures, using a logistic regression. Results: use of PPIs was significantly associated with risk of recurrent falls (OR 1.92, 95% CI = 1.05 – 3.50, p = 0.04) as well as with risk of a fracture (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.10 – 4.21, p = 0.03). Conclusions: In conclusion, our results provide further evidence that PPI use may increase risk of falls and fractures in older women and highlight the need for clinicians to reassess the original indication and the need for continuation of PPIs on a regular basis.