The Prescription Sequence Symmetry Analysis (PSSA) Study 4:
Association between proton pump inhibitor use and clostridium difficile infections
Objective:
To test the risk of treatment for clostridium difficile from proton pump inhibitors across AsPEN countries and Canada.
Method:
Health Canada had a hypothesis that proton pump inhibitors may contribute to clostridium difficile infections. Australia (two datasets), Canada, Japan (two groups), Hong Kong and Taiwan have all participated, with a collective population coverage of 75 million persons. For the primary analysis, oral vancomycin initiation was the marker of treatment for clostridium difficile infections as this medicine was available solely for that indication in some countries. A secondary analysis was undertaken using oral metronidazole as a marker, however, this medicine has multiple indications. Prescription sequence symmetry analysis was the method used.
Milestones:
The early results of this study from Canada and Australia were presented at the 2013 ISPE.
Contact:
Prof Libby Roughead, University of South Australia
Email: Libby.Roughead@unisa.edu.au
