[Increased prescribing of proton pump inhibitors in ambulatory care over the years 2005 - 2013].

BACKGROUND: In many countries, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are increasingly prescribed over recent years and there is evidence of overprescribing. The aim of this article was to analyse the utilization of PPIs in Germany with respect to age and sex and to study regional variations as well as differences regarding medical specialties.

METHODS: We used claims data of the BARMER GEK for the years 2005 - 2013. Main outcome was the prescribing prevalence, e. g., the proportion of persons with at least one prescription of PPIs in the corresponding year. In addition, the prescribing medical specialties and regional differences were studied for the year 2013.

RESULTS: Over the years 2005 to 2013, the prescribing prevalence increased linearly from 8.2 % to 16.2 % (+ 97 %). Females were more often affected than males. Prevalences were also increasing with age (0 - 5 years: 0.2 % to 95 + years: 39.5 % in 2013). Regional differences were comparatively low (interquartile range of the postal code regions: 15.0 - 17.0 %). General practitioners prescribed a large majority of PPIs (90.1 %) with even higher proportions in the older age (98.1 % in persons aged 95 + years).

CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of persons receiving PPIs has doubled over the past 9 years. Physicians should review their prescribing habits critically on a periodic basis.