Lansoprazole use linked with subsequent psoriasis risk: Study

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, itchy scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while or going into remission

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely used drugs. Little is known about the association between Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)use and risk of psoriasis.

A study was conducted by a group of researchers from Taiwan to investigate the association between Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use and subsequent psoriasis risk.

The researchers included participants from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use and an incidence of psoriasis (n = 5,756) were assigned to the case cohort and 1:1 matched to controls. PPI use was defined as >30 cumulative defined daily doses (cDDDs); PPI nonuse was defined as ≤30 cDDDs. Logistic regression was used for the analyses.

The results of the study are as follows:

There was a significant association between Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use and psoriasis risk.

The confounder-adjusted odd ratios (95% confidence interval [CI]) were 1.52 (1.31–1.76) and 1.54 (1.22–1.93) for patients with 120–365 cDDDs and >365 cDDDs, respectively, compared with Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) nonusers. Stratified analyses based on PPI type showed that exposure to lansoprazole (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.11–1.41) was associated with subsequent psoriasis risk.

Thus, the researchers concluded that Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)use might be associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis or as an epiphenomenon. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the association and underlying mechanisms.

Reference:

A study titled, "Proton Pump Inhibitors Are Associated with Increased Risk of Psoriasis: A Nationwide Nested Case-Control Study" by Li C.-Y et. al published in the Dermatology.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000517515