Risk factors for lung disease progression in children with cystic fibrosis

We read with interest the recent paper by van Horck et al. [1], which studied 545 children followed for 5 years with longitudinal data from the Dutch Cystic Fibrosis registry. Data from 2009 to 2014 showed that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use was associated with annual decline of % predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s and future pulmonary exacerbation rates. In a discussion of potential mechanisms, the authors considered that bacteria are normally killed by acid conditions in the stomach but that gastric pH is raised following PPI use. It was therefore hypothesised that with extra-oesophageal reflux, surviving pathogens could reach the upper airway and be aspirated.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Original Articles: Correspondence Source Type: research